Portsmouth winger's mum sets record straight following deleted tweet ahead of Bristol City game - and fans have sympathy

The mother of Pompey winger Ronan Curtis, Marie, has set the record straight regarding a social media post she uploaded and then quickly deleted ahead of Sunday’s Bristol City game.
Pompey winger Ronan Curtis with his mum MariePompey winger Ronan Curtis with his mum Marie
Pompey winger Ronan Curtis with his mum Marie

The warm-hearted mum, who has built up quite a following on Twitter with her engagement with the Fratton faithful, took to the platform to explain her son’s absence for the FA Cup third-round tie at Ashton Gate.

She informed followers that a groin injury was the reason behind Curtis’ omission from the team sheet – the explanation the Blues player relayed to her.

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Yet, with that contradicting the official line from Pompey that the player was ‘feeling unwell’ and did not travel, Marie swiftly removed her post.

Unfortunately, that action led to many Blues fans on social media speculating on Curtis’ Pompey future – speculation that continues despite the Republic of Ireland international later testing positive for coronavirus.

Curtis, who was replaced by Michael Jacobs in the starting line-up on Sunday, will now miss Saturday’s trip to Fleetwood as Pompey kick-start their League One campaign more than four weeks after their last run-out in the division against Hull on December 18.

And as the former Derry man’s team-mates prepare for that test, Marie has returned to Twitter to put any doubts to bed regarding her son and her deleted message.

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She informed her followers that Curtis was simply protecting her from the news that he was displaying Covid symptoms, knowing that she would leave her home in Ireland to look after him in Portsmouth.

She tweeted: ‘Right Ronan told me it was his groin because he didn’t want me to know he was ill with Covid other wise I’d been on next (flight emoji) so tweet was deleted.

‘Does this answer the the bitching about him. If Jacobs is better then there’s no problem him missing games thank you all.’

In response, many Pompey fans have messaged Marie with their support.

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Pompey49er tweeted: ‘Just like any good lad not wanting to worry his ma!

‘I had actually worked that one out within a few hours but some people just look for something to whinge about.’

@ChrisOverthrow wrote: ‘This is a mark against nobody.

‘Ronan clearly loves you and was trying to protect you.

‘If anyone uses this as a stick to beat you with they are a disgrace.

‘For me this shows Ronan as a decent caring person who didn't want to expose his mum to risk.’

@paul9lewis1 added: ‘Well said. Just wish him better from the supporters who aren't quick to wade in with negativity.’

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