Middlesbrough star gets public telling off after forgetting wife’s birthday amid play-off push
A Middlesbrough star was given a public telling off by his wife after forgetting her birthday during the club’s Championship play-off campaign
14:47, 10 May 2026Updated 15:25, 10 May 2026
Callum Brittain completely forgot about his wife’s birthday
Middlesbrough star Callum Brittain has been so concentrated on his side’s play-off campaign that he even overlooked his wife’s birthday.
His partner, Bethany, disclosed on social media that the occasion entirely escaped his memory. Brittain played the full 90 minutes in the scoreless stalemate against Southampton at the Riverside Stadium. A verdict will be carried over to the second leg of the play-off scheduled for Tuesday (May 12, 8pm).
Boro controlled the opening period but failed to convert their opportunities which became a recurring theme in the latter half of the campaign. Tommy Conway went nearest when he rattled the woodwork.
Bethany’s message on social media
Saints seized command after the interval, as Boro struggled to retain possession or press their rivals back as efficiently. The away side nearly clinched victory twice in the closing five minutes, but ultimately, everything remains to be decided on the south coast.
As anticipated before the encounter, Brittain buckled down and switched into complete concentration mode, leaving Bethany to chuckle about the overlooked birthday.
Posting on Instagram, she penned: “If any Boro fans were worried about his level of focus, he actually forgot my birthday this morning xxx. UTFB,” accompanied by laughing and heart emojis. Meanwhile, the defender, a consistent starter under Kim Hellberg, posted on Instagram afterwards – only to be reminded once more by supporters about the embarrassing moment.
Callum Brittain forgot his wife’s birthday(Image: bethany_brittain)
Bethany had to enjoy a belated birthday(Image: bethany_brittain)
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“What an incredible atmosphere! Lost for words today, inspiring support and an amazing experience, thank you Boro fans,” he penned in a post. “The boys run themselves into the ground today and we’ll do the exact same Tuesday! UTFB.”
In the comments section, one fan wrote: “Played with your heart on your sleeve as always. Now go and get the wife a birthday card.”
Another chimed in: “Remember it’s her birthday. Class as always!” and a third added: “I’m sorry he forgot your birthday. Happy birthday from all the Boro fans.”
Boro sent Bethany a bouquet of flowers for her belated birthday
Yet another supporter quipped: “Worth forgetting the wife’s birthday for.”
On Sunday, Boro sent Bethany a birthday present along with a handwritten note.
Boro will aim to defeat Southampton in next week’s second leg as they strive to end a 17‐year absence from the top flight. Their last Premier League campaign was in the 2008/09 season.
