Ordinarily, footballers are shown red cards for reckless tackles or violent challenges during games, but that wasn’t the case for Connor Maseko who was sent off for “urinating on the hedge” during an Emirates FA Cup first round tie.

Maseko, who was in goal for Blackfield & Langley FC against Shepton Mallet FC, decided to answer nature’s call in the 76th minute of the encounter after the ball rolled over for a goal kick.

He quickly seized the opportunity to walk over to the fence partitioning the pitch to urinate but the act drew protests from opposition players who drew the referees’ attention.

Explaining the event that occurred after the match, Blackfield & Langley FC co-manager Conor McCarthy  told BBC Sport: “The ball went out for a goal kick.”

McCarthy continued, “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 (Maseko) protected himself. He was inside the hedge. Sometimes when you have to go you have to go.

“I was gobsmacked. I didn’t expect that [sending-off].

“We’re all pretty shocked by the decision.”

The game ended in a goalless draw and will be replayed on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.