Swedish footballer 'sent off for breaking wind'

A Swedish footballer has defended his behaviour after claiming to have been 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 the second half for "unsportsmanlike behaviour".

The left-back 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.

"To provoke anyone with a fart is not particularly smart or normal. It's nonsense - I just broke wind and got a red card."

Dany Kako, the referee in question, also spoke to local media, describing Ljungkvist's actions as "deliberate provocation".