By Rahaman Abiola
In what could be likened to a beautiful cinderella story, a 55-year-old Morrocan man has been given a full set of dentures by a kind-hearted Dubai-based dentist, Dr Shadi Al Shaikh.
Mohammed Al Sharafi became the subject of bullying on social media after he was caught on camera cheering his nation’s football team in a crucial World Cup tie against Croatia.
Ikejabird recalls that the match, played on Wednesday, November 23, at the AlBayt Stadium, ended in a goalless stalemate, with the North African side sharing the spoils against resilient Lukas Modric-led Blazers.
Al Sharafi, who was carried away by Morroco’s stellar performance, was subjected to ridicule, with a number of internet users who saw his viral video mocking him for his “bad smile.” The 55-year-old was also mocked for his decaying and crooked teeth.
When Al Shaikh who hailed from Jordan saw the video, he asked his followers on Instagram to help him locate the mercilessly bullied fan.
Al Sharafi travelled to Dubai with his son for treatment after contact was established by both parties. All his expenses, including tickets and procedure fees, were covered by the dentist who also took responsibility for the Morrocan’s treatment for the next six months.
“I decided to help him as soon as I saw his picture. 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.
“He was suffering from bone resorption in the upper jaw, causing the destruction of bone tissues. This makes it hard to implant new teeth. His six-month treatment will require a bone implant first,” the dentist told the National News.
