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The Preston North End striker whose shirt became the subject of an unsightly tug-of-war has spoken out after footage of a woman taking it off a young boy caused outrage.

Jermaine Beckford threw his shirt into the Wembley crowd after being substituted with a tight calf following a stunning play-off final hat-trick against Swindon Town.

The white jersey landed in the crowd next to the dugout, where it was caught by young fan Ted Dockray - but wrestled from him by a woman in pink.

Speaking after footage of the incident went viral, Beckford, 31, said: "It was intended as a goodwill gesture.

"I assumed it would go to a good home from someone who was able to enjoy the game today.

"Hopefully, it will find its way back to the kid who caught it."

The family of eight-year-old Ted, who was attending the game alongside his brother, father and grandad, have since hit out.

Commenting on the footage, the boy's aunt Helen wrote on Facebook: "How can u [sic] steal from an eight-year-old. Football is his life.

"My nephew is gutted. All he wanted to do is wear that shirt with pride, regardless of value."

(Image: Getty Images)

The Lancashire Evening Post named Ted and revealed he was at Wembley to watch older brother Leo, 10, play in a schools’ championship.

The shirt reportedly appeared for sale on Gumtree at a price of £1,500 after the match, but was later removed after fans filed a complaint to the website.

The club are organising a special treat for young Ted, from Failsworth, Greater Manchester, following the incident.

A spokesman for the club said: "If the young man makes himself known to the club, we'll get Jermaine to present his second Wembley shirt to him."

Lancashire Police confirmed that its Football Intelligence Unit will be examining the case, however stressed that no crime had been reported.