A footballer in Norway has been sent off for calling an opponent "gay" during a match in the country's second tier.
Simen Juklerod of Baerum SK was shown a straight red against Sandnes Ulf with Head of referees Terje Hauge having previously said that using that and similar words in "an insulting or offensive manner" would lead to dismissal from the field of play.
Juklerod admitted using the word, but disagreed with the red card, saying: "There was a second I was not thinking, and said the second word [gay], yes. Of course it’s completely lame, but I still think that’s not a red card."
As a result, he becomes the first player sent off for using a homophobic slur on the pitch, as Norway's football authorities crack down on such behaviour.
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