A teenage goalkeeper with Tourette's syndrome has been banned for playing for the Ware Youth Under-15s side for two games after swearing at the referee.
Owen Thompson, who has the condition which can result in involuntary verbal outbursts, was sent off by the match official after telling the referee to "fuck off" when he allowed a goal for the opposing team to stand.
"It does not seem fair," the 14-year-old told The Mirror. "Football often suppresses my ticks, but I cannot control them when I get upset or stressed. He just really stressed me out."
Hertfordshire Football Association chief Nick Perchard claimed: "The player swore at the referee and then refused to talk to him when asked to explain his actions. The committee decided the lack of respect shown was not connected to his medical condition."
Thompson was also fined £25 for his language.
