Dentist in Dubai brings smile to World Cup fan bullied over bad teeth

Moroccan Mohammed Al Sharafi now has full set of dentures after starting free six-month treatment

Moroccan football fan Mohammed Al Sharafi, 55, has received dentures less than two weeks after he was bullied by online trolls who made fun of his crooked teeth when they spotted him on television as he encouraged his national team. All photos: Dr Shadi Al Shaikh / Twitter

Dentist Dr Shadi Al Shaikh, left, reached out to Mr Al Sharafi and covered the cost of his treatment at his clinic in Dubai

Dr Al Shaikh put up a social media post on Instagram asking his followers to connect him with Mr Al Sharafi

Mr Al Sharafi will be able sport a bright smile when he attends Morocco's next match against Spain on Tuesday

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

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