A goalie bursting to answer the call of nature was sent off during an English FA Cup first-round qualifying match - after relieving himself in a hedge during the game.
Goalkeeper Connor Maseko was sent off for urinating in the bush during the qualifier on Saturday September 2. Maseko, playing for ninth-tier Blackfield & Langley, was shown a red card in the 76th minute of the goalless draw with Shepton Mallet.
After the ball went out for a goal kick, Maseko needed to use the toilet and decided to go up against a hedge. He was seen by Shepton Mallet players who drew the incident to the attention of the referee.
However, his actions were defended by Blackfield & Langley co-manager Conor McCarthy, who insisted that players don't always get to choose when to go.
He told the BBC: "He needed to go to the toilet so he went up against a hedge and their players started shouting saying 'what's he doing?' to the ref. The ref went up to him and decided to send him off.
"He protected himself. He was inside the hedge. Sometimes when you have to go you have to go.
"I was gobsmacked. We're all pretty shocked by the decision."
The club says it has been inundated with queries about Maseko's conduct following the weekend's match.
It said in a statement on social media: "We have received so many calls, messages and emails from companies asking about the incident that occurred in the match against Shepton Mallet AFC. Please be patient, it's been a crazy day."
Opponents Shepton Mallet saw the funny side of the incident, with a tweet addressing the controversy ahead of a replay of the match next week.
It said: "After an unusual red card in the first tie (possibly a first) we are looking for a match sponsor. Plumbers or portaloo companies, take advantage!"
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