Katie explained that Ruairi has possessed a season ticket since birth and regularly attends home, away, and European matches with his family.
She said supporting Manchester United is “all we do,” noting that she met her husband at Old Trafford and has held her own season ticket for almost 20 years, just like her late mother and siblings.
“Since Ruairi could walk, he’s had a ball at his feet,” she said. “He’s completely football‑mad.”
Katie added that Ruairi served as a Manchester United mascot during the Crystal Palace match last season and has accompanied the team to games in Seville, Istanbul, and Bilbao.
A post on X where Katie said the restriction would “break Ruairi’s heart” has garnered over 1.3 million views.
She said she has not informed him of the restriction because “you can’t place that burden on a six‑year‑old.”
“The first game of the season is one we will certainly miss,” she said.
“I looked at his dad and asked, ‘How can you take that away from him?’”