A three-year-old African-American boy has become a celebrity. This follows his removal from a youth football league not because he committed an offence. No, Nevada's skills were considered exceptional.

The parents of his opponents complained that his skills made the game unfair against even 5-year-old players.

Nevada's family appear passionate about his football interest, documenting his play on social media, where he has so far built a combined following of more than 700,000 on Instagram and TikTok.

During the match in Winter Park, Florida, on Saturday 24 October, the toddler controlled the ball and scored repeatedly. The parents of his rivals reportedly complained that he was "holding the ball too much" and "trying to put on a show."

The row saw police escort Nevada's family off the field, but they received a full refund of their registration fees.

Nevada's father, Don Pierre, said other parents at the game "called the police on a 3-year-old because he is too good", while his mother, Martasia Griffin, said her son was "traumatised" after being "kicked out" for playing better.

However, an official of the i9 Sports youth football league offered a different account to officers.

‘Very advanced’ skills

In police body-camera footage, the official acknowledged Nevada was "very advanced compared to the other ones" but alleged that the boy pushed other players and that his parents became argumentative when he was benched.

Winter Park Police said the dispute was a civil matter and no one was arrested or formally trespassed.

The incident happened during a game organised by i9 Sports, which is the largest youth sports franchise in the US.

The controversy has also once again raised questions about racial bias in sports.

The main aim of sports for young kids is fun and confidence building while developing basic skills. Their rules are typically simplified compared to professional football played by adults or teenagers.

In a statement, the i9 Sports league said it has begun a review and that the "respectful treatment and well-being of every child and family matters."

It also emphasised that it promotes "equal playing time for all athletes" as a core principle.

The incident drew goodwill, including ex-US striker Eddie Johnson inviting the toddler to his Orlando programme in January and children's entertainer Ms. Rachel inviting Nevada onto her show, urging stars to "show up for this amazing three-year-old."