A Manchester City ballboy was showered with sympathy after accidentally forcing the referee to give a drop-ball when he controlled a ball before it went out of play during the West Ham game.

Sergio Aguero took a shot that flew out towards the corner flag during the 2-0 win and the kid was overly enthusiastic as he ran to collect the ball.

He played it back to Hammers goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski — but the ball had not yet left the pitch.

A Manchester City ballboy intervened too early during the game against West Ham

He controlled the ball before it had left the pitch and hit it back to goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski

The players did not know what happened and the referee had to indicate for a drop ball

Referee Kevin Friend then had to give a drop-ball and tell the players what had happened because they had not seen him intervene.

There was a clear expression of shock from the ballboy, who realised he had made a mistake.

But a member of City staff ran over to him and consoled him while patting him on the shoulder.

Fans on social media offered him plenty of sympathy, along with some jokes.

Kevin Friend had to explain to the Manchester City and West Ham players what happened

@EdFordy wrote: 'City ball boy got a better touch than most (of) our side'.

Sam-I-am tweeted: 'That ball boy just broke my little heart @ManCity. Please show him mistakes happen and that's ok.'

'That ball boy has been the best West Ham defender so far tonight,' wrote @CharlburyBaggie.

While @TheCynicalSoul said: 'VAR FAILING ONCE AGAIN!! Should have been a definite red card for that ball boy, yellow at the very least'.