麻豆社

Aston Villa player Danny Ings has been praised for raising awareness of autism by wearing ear protection alongside a matchday mascot in the same gear.

The striker walked on to the Villa Park pitch hand in hand with nine-year-old Riley Regan.

Riley has autism and ADHD and relies on the headset to cope with loud noises, including cheering crowds.

Images of the pair have since generated rafts of supportive comments on social media.

Comedian Paddy McGuinness - who has three children with autism - was among those to offer praise.