A teenager was placed in isolation by his school because he has a haircut inspired by top footballers.

Thirteen-year-old Lewis Kenny copied Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero and Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale with his on-trend hairdo.

But the year nine pupil, a Liverpool FC and Salford Reds Devils rugby league club supporter, was taken out of classes for the day because the style is considered ‘extreme’ by St Ambrose Barlow High School in Wardley, Salford.

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Lewis’s parents, Liam, 49, and Angela, 50, from Walkden Road, Worsley, last week met staff at St Ambrose Barlow to discuss the matter and they have sent a letter of complaint.

Mr Kenny said: “What I want is an acknowledgement that they are wrong. They have said that he has an extreme haircut and he must restyle his hair to how the school wants it.

“The haircut is similar to Sergio Aguero and Gareth Bale and it’s a modern haircut for a boy his age to have.”

Last month his best friend, Jack Littlewood, also 13, was given the same punishment because his short back and sides haircut – worn short said his family to stop his thick hair from becoming unruly – was considered in breach of school rules which state that boys should wear their hair no shorter than a number three cut all over.

(Image: Andy Lambert)

Both boys arrived at St Ambrose Barlow in September following the closure of St George’s High School in Walkden. Their parents say they have never been in trouble for their hairstyles before.

Mr Kenny added: “Lewis’s hair is a number three cut and longer on top.

“It is a better look than long greasy hair. The school said they had spotted a line in his hair like the one worn by Aguero. But he only has a line put in the school holidays.

“He was upset to be placed in isolation and we are standing firm on this. It is disgraceful.

“We think it is victimisation.”

Headteacher Marie Garside said: “Both parents and pupils are made aware of our high expectations and aspirations before they choose the school. We are very clear about what we accept and don’t accept and we make it explicit about what we feel are appropriate standards at our parent information evenings.

“Our staff work above and beyond the school day to make sure pupils work as well as they can and reach their potential.”