WATCH: Footballer Sent Off For Kicking Pitch-Invading Chicken To Death
A 23-year-old amateur footballer in Croatia, Ivan Gazdek, has been unceremoniously sent off for kicking a pitch-invading chicken to death.
Gazdek, who plays for FK Zelengrad, took out his frustrations on the poor chicken in the middle of a nervy game where his side were leading FC Jasenovac 2-1.
The referee was unenthused by his actions and promptly gave him his marching off orders for ‘unsportsmanlike conduct.’
A video circulating on social media shows Gazdek chasing after a group of stray chickens before finally getting hold of one and aiming a kick at it, which renders the poor animal unresponsive.
He then picks it up and throws it over a fence surrounding the pitch.
He explained the situation to local news agency 24Sata: "Believe me, it wasn't intentional.
"The game was in a sensitive moment and I was nervous. Even in the dressing room, we had had a bit of a fight.
"Chickens are constantly entering the field, so the game has to be stopped. The grass is covered in poo, it's very unhygienic.
"I ran to the chickens a little to chase them away, I swung my foot and killed one by accident."
Gazdek later expressed regret for his actions and apologised to the owner of the chicken.
The footballer continued: "Immediately she removed the hen from the scene of the accident and said nothing.
"However, I was very sorry, so I sent her a letter and a new hen to apologise."
Despite Gazdek’s ‘fowl play’ leaving his team a man short, FK Zelengrad rallied together to beat Jasenovac 8-1 to emerge victors on the day.