The mother of a three-year-old soccer player who was escorted from a youth game by police has spoken publicly about the incident, saying her son was targeted for being “too good.”

Martasia Griffin, mother of Nevada Pierre, told ABC News that her son has scored more than 40 goals in five games this season while playing against children up to two years older than him.

A viral video showed Nevada dominating play before police arrived at the field in Winter Park, Florida, and asked the family to leave. His parents alleged that other parents and league officials were unhappy that no one could take the ball from him.

League organisers told police the call was made because of a disturbance involving the parents and claimed Nevada had been pushing other children. Body camera footage released by police shows the organiser acknowledging that the boy is “really good” and “very advanced.”

Griffin said her son has been left confused by the episode. “I cannot explain to my 3-year-old son that he cannot play today because he is so good,” she said.

The family said they had paid nearly $300 for the league and were told Nevada could no longer participate. The incident has sparked widespread debate online about fairness, parental behaviour and how youth sports handle exceptionally talented young players.