Keeper sees red after urinating at the side of a stand

Max Crocombe

Goalkeeper Max Crocombe is likely to feature in trivia quizzes after getting sent off for urinating beside his goal during his side Salford City's match with Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday.

The 24-year-old New Zealander, whose non-league side is part-owned by five former Manchester United stars including Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, was red-carded late in the match which was attended by just 533 spectators.

His desperate desire to answer the call of nature, but not requesting the game to be stopped, so he could run to the bathroom, was spotted by eagle-eyed officials and the referee duly wielded the red card.

Initial bemusement as to the reason for his sudden departure turned to amazement when Bradford Park Avenue tweeted: "We can confirm that Crocombe has been sent off for urinating during the game. We are not joking."

Salford held on to win 2-1.

A contrite Crocombe later took to Twitter to apologise for his behaviour.

"I'd like to sincerely apologise for the incident today. I was in a very uncomfortable position and made an error in judgement which spoiled a great win," he tweeted.

"My intention was never to offend anyone and I'd like to apologise to both clubs and both sets of supporters and it won't happen again."

Crocombe is not the first goalkeeper to surrender to nature.

Former Germany and Arsenal star Jens Lehmann ran behind an advertising hoarding to relief himself during a Champions League game in 2009 when he was at Stuttgart.