Video: Goalkeeper sent off for patting opponent's backside

The goalkeeper was sent off for tapping the opponent’s backside

In a game in Honduras’ Liga Nacional between Real Sociedad and Marathon, a bizarre incident took place when the goalkeeper was sent off? For a foul? A handball? Time wasting? No, it was for – would you believe it – patting an opponent on the backside.

With the score tied at 1-1, Marathon goalkeeper Junior Morales picked up the ball in the box, ready to launch the ball into the other end of the field. As a Real Sociedad player jogged past him, Morales simply patted his backside, with no aggression and no attempt at deliberate foul play.

The opponent didn’t even complain, but the linesman saw this as a sign of blatant aggression and informed the referee who went on to show the goalkeeper a straight red card while pointing to the penalty spot.

As all players on the field looked on in bewilderment, Morales refused to leave the pitch. With very little time left for the final whistle, Marathon’s players complained and the referee had o choice but to abandon the game. The Honduran FA even awarded Real Sociedad the win and three points.

Marathon’s director of football, Rolando Peña said: “It’s the strangest decision I’ve ever seen in football, it’s totally absurd,”

“The world is laughing at us and at the referee.”

The decision was even allowed to stand by the Honduran FA in an appeals court.