WEST HAM goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has been hailed as a "absolute hero" after displaying an incredible gesture.
Areola joined his mascot in wearing noise-cancelling headphones ahead of Sunday's clash with Newcastle.
The unnamed young fan stepped out onto the London Stadium turf alongside the French keeper.
And in a lovely gesture, the West Ham star opted to join the club mascot in wearing headphones to block out the stadium noise.
Lucas Perez pays part of own transfer fee to rejoin beloved Deportivo
Areola was praised for the move online as the heart-warming moment lit up social media.
One person wrote: "Absolute hero @AreolaOfficiel"
A second said: "Well done, Alphonse, a fantastic touchðð»."
Another added: "Love this so much. The kid will feel so acceptedâ¤ï¸."
Another wrote: "This is proper! Class."
After the match - which ended in a 2-2 draw - Areola himself posted the picture on his Instagram story with a touching quote.
FREE BETS - BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
He wrote: "The game is for everyoneð."
After being hailed for his conduct prior to the game, Areola then stepped up and delivered a stunning save to keep out Dan Burnâs header.
Arsenal could enter Declan Rice transfer battle with Chelsea amid £70m price tag
West Ham went 1-0 up through Tomas Soucek, before a second-half double from Alexander Isak put Newcastle in front.
But new Irons midfielder Mohammed Kudus scored an 89th-minute equaliser to deny victory for the visitors.
West Ham and Newcastle stayed seventh and eighth respectively in the Premier League table, as both sides returned to action after wins in Europe.
