Swedish footballer defends himself after being sent off for farting

A Swedish footballer has defended his behaviour after being sent off for breaking wind during a match.

Adam Lindin Ljungkvist was appearing for Jarna SK reserves against Pershagen SK this week, but received his marching orders in bizarre circumstances in the second half after the referee accused him of "unsportsmanlike behaviour".

Explaining the situation in the aftermath of the gassy ordeal, left-back Ljungkvist told local newspaper Lanstidningen Sodertalje: "I had a bad stomach, so I simply let go.

"Then I received two yellow cards and then red. Yes, I was shocked, it's the strangest thing I have ever experienced in football.

"I asked the referee, 'What, am I not allowed to break wind a little?' 'No,' he replied. I don't get it. Maybe he thought I farted in my hand and threw the fart at him. But I did not."

Differing reports from the scene state the player was given a yellow card earlier in the match, before receiving a second booking for the "deliberate provocation" in the second half.

Dany Kako was the referee in question, and he also spoke to local media post-match, explaining: "I perceived it as deliberate provocation. He did it on purpose and it was inappropriate.

"Once, there was a player who stood and peed next to the pitch. I showed him a yellow card, too."

Ljungkvist, though, has defended his actions and told Aftonbladet: "To provoke anyone with a fart is not particularly smart or normal. It's nonsense - I just broke wind and got a red card.

"I spoke to the referee afterwards, I was annoyed, but there were no bad words. I just said he was a buffoon."

Pershagen SK striker Kristoffer Linde, who was on the opposing team when the incident occurred, said: "I was standing a good distance away but I heard the fart loud and clear.

"It's the strangest thing I've seen on a pitch, and I've been playing football since I was eight years old."