Brave soccer player with illness that makes him look like a midget hits back at sick trolls who targeted him on Facebook

A 20-year-old footballer suffering from a rare condition which impacted his growth has hit back at trolls who targeted him in a shocking Facebook group, saying “I just want to go out and play football”.

Blake Robinson plays for Karingal Football Netball Club in Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula league, but on three occasions this year he has been secretly photographed and posted in a Facebook group called ‘Midget Watching Australia’.

Robinson only discovered this page when her sister – who also suffers from the condition – discovered that people were trying to photograph her without her permission.

He is now fighting back and is supported by his football club and teammates as he tries to get Facebook to remove the page.

The football club even made a video highlighting the important role he plays in his team, including interviews with Robinson and his teammates.

“It’s difficult,” said Robinson, who stressed that he was not a midget and did not “speak for” people with the disease.

“I just want to go out and play football without photos of me being taken and posted on stupid groups – that shouldn’t even be a thing.

“I’m just a normal 20-year-old who wants to go out and play the game I love. I don’t play the game any different than anyone else.

“People take pictures and think it’s funny, but it’s not funny to me and I just want people to know it hurts.”

Club president Sara Burke was appalled by the vilification Robinson had to face.

The 20-year-old (pictured at a recent match) said: “I just want to go out and play the game I love.”

“It makes me really sad,” Burke said.

“I just can’t believe people’s ignorance – especially (seeing) it’s 2024.

“And the fact that he can be on the football field doing what he loves and someone takes a picture and posts it on social media – it’s just really disappointing.”

Burke told the Herald Sun the club was doing its best to remove the Facebook page.

The Daily Mail Australia’s search did not turn up the Facebook group, but did reveal a very similar page called “Midget spotting Australia” which has only been open since the start of the month.

“We worked really hard behind the scenes to get this removed from Facebook,” Burke said.

Robinson wants Australians to know he’s ‘just another 20-year-old guy’

“We have asked everyone at the club to report it and report people who post messages there.

“I never watched it until last week, I think it stopped but started again or someone started a new one.

“His sister has been his biggest advocate, finding out who owns the band, knowing friends of friends – she’s been truly amazing.”

Robinson wants his detractors to remember that he is a human being, just like them.

“I am the same as you, I am not different,” he said.

“I may be short, but I’m just another 20-year-old guy…I’m no different, I do everything the same.”

His reaction to the shocking trolling earned him support online, with the fan of one of Karingal’s rival clubs praising his play and spirit.

“This guy is a real enthusiast and never runs away from the issue,” the commenter wrote.

“You played well against us this weekend, buddy, don’t let the keyboard warriors get to you.”