A dentist in Dubai has helped a Moroccan football fan by giving him a full set of dentures after he was bullied at the Qatar World Cup over his "bad smile".
Dr Shadi Al Shaikh, 39, came to the aid of Mohammed Al Sharafi as social media users made fun of him because of his decaying and crooked teeth.
Mr Al Sharafi, 55, was seen on camera during Morocco's match against Croatia on November 23, cheering his national team.
Pictures and video of him were shared on social media, leading to personal attacks.
It was then that Dr Al Shaikh, from Jordan, decided to help the fan, who was being trolled mercilessly.
The dentist asked the one million followers on his Instagram page to help him find Mr Al Sharafi.
“I decided to help him as soon as I saw his picture," Dr Al Shaikh told The National. "I didn’t like how people bullied him because of his teeth. I met him in Qatar and offered him free treatment in my clinic in Dubai.”
Mr Al Sharafi travelled to Dubai with his son on Saturday for treatment. All his expenses, including tickets and procedure fees, were covered. His free treatment will continue for the next six months.
“He was suffering from bone resorption in the upper jaw, causing the destruction of bone tissues,” Dr Al Shaikh said. "This makes it hard to implant new teeth. His six-month treatment will require a bone implant first."
Dr Al Shaikh said he used 3D images and the latest dental and bone implant techniques.
“He's had a phobia of dentists all his life,” he said.
For the time being, Mr Al Sharafi has been given dentures to cheer for Morocco in their match against Spain on Tuesday in the knockout stage.
He and his son will travel back to Doha and this time he will have a perfect smile.
Dr Al Shaikh posted a video on Instagram showing the Moroccan fan with his new teeth and wrote: “For the bullies. It’s just the beginning.“
“Being a doctor empowers you to be able to do something for people who are suffering, instead of just watching helplessly,” he said. "As a dentist and a surgeon, I will make him have the most beautiful smile."
Fifa World Cup Day 17 - in pictures
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Portugal's Goncalo Ramos kisses the ball after scoring a hat-trick in the match against Switzerland. Reuters -
Portugal's Pepe scores their second goal. Reuters -
Portugal's Raphael Guerreiro celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Bruno Fernandes. Reuters -
The Moroccan flag is projected on tower blocks in the city center of Doha, Qatar, after Morocco beat Spain. AP Photo -
Morocco's players celebrate their penalty shootout win as the losing Spanish player look on. Reuters -
Morocco's Jawad El Yamiq taking out his frustrations after a missed chance against Spain. AP Photo -
Morocco's Achraf Hakimi turns away after scoring the winning penalty in the shoot-out against Spain at Education City Stadium. AP -
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saves from Spain's Nico Williams in their Qatar 2022 World Cup round of 16 match at Education City Stadium. Getty -
Morocco's players huddle before extra time after it ended goalless in 90 minutes. Reuters -
Coach Luis Enrique leaps at a Spanish chance. Reuters -
Morocco's Hakim Ziyech shakes hands with Enrique at a throw-in. Reuters -
Ferran Torres and Noussair Mazraoui go to ground. Getty -
Argentinian referee Fernando Rapallini speaks with the Spanish and Moroccan players. Getty -
Youssef En-Nesyri of Morocco and Sergio Busquets of Spain compete for the ball. Getty -
Gavi acrobatically controls the ball. Getty -
Mazraoui with Moroccan team-mate Sofiane Boufal. Reuters -
Morocco's fans pack the stands at Education City. Reuters -
Morocco fans outside the stadium before the match. Reuters -
Spain fans ready for the big game. Reuters -
Achraf Hakimi battles for possession with Spain's Pedri and Jordi Alba. Getty -
Moroccan fans at Doha's Souq Waqif market as they prepare for their team's round of 16 soccer match against Spain. EPA -
A Spain fan is given a treat by an ice cream seller at Souq Waqif. EPA -
A Morocco fan shows off his ball skills. EPA -
A Swiss fan at the market before his team's late game against Portugal in the last 16. EPA -
Fans prepare to fly to Qatar from Dubai. PA -
Maya Yoshida sheds tears as he gives an interview a day after Japan's last-16 defeat by Croatia. AP
