A non-league player has been sacked by his club after abusing Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter over the death of his baby daughter on Twitter.
Bournemouth lost a three-goal lead to
draw 3-3 with Arsenal in the Premier League on Tuesday.
Hitchin Town player Alfie Barker, 19, posted: "Big hype just for a disappointment like the nine months leading up to your child's birth."
Barker issued an apology on Wednesday for his "disgraceful comments".
He initially claimed his account had been hacked, before apologising.
But seventh-tier Hitchin issued a statement saying: "In the light of the player's irresponsible and anti-social behaviour, we are terminating Alfie Barker's registration and relationship with the club with immediate effect."
Hitchin boss Mark Burke said: "I've seen the tweets and I'm disgusted with them. They're vile and I can't condone them in any way."
Bournemouth have referred the matter to the Football Association, who are investigating.
Outcomes of previous FA investigations into inappropriate comments on social media have ranged from fines to bans.
Codicote FC, where Barker is on loan, said: "We have no choice but to terminate our relationship with him.
"We would like to make it clear that Codicote FC cannot and will not tolerate this behaviour; we have a responsibility to our community, supporters and the football family to stamp this behaviour out."
Arter has a tattoo dedicated to the memory of his daughter Renee, who was
stillborn in December 2015.
An absolute prick.No wonder footballers get a bad name with idiots like this.Needs a fucking good slap.