Saturday 28 October 2017 18:41, UK
Salford goalkeeper Max Crocombe has apologised after he was sent off for urinating during his team's 2-1 win at Bradford Park Avenue.
The former Oxford United stopper, who has represented New Zealand, was dismissed with three minutes remaining in the National League North clash at Horsfall Stadium.
Avenue's Twitter feed said after the red card was shown that they and City, part owned by former Manchester United team-mates Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Gary and Phil Neville, had no idea why he had been sent off.
But moments later, another message read: "We can confirm that Crocombe has been sent off for urinating during the game. We are not joking."
Crocombe posted the apology on his Twitter account, saying : "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.
"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. Max."
Salford had come back from conceding an early lead to Oli Johnson's penalty to lead thanks to goals from Mike Phenix and Gus Mafuta.
Striker Richie Allen took over in goal after Crocombe left the field and was able to keep out the home side as Salford kept up the pressure on league leaders Harrogate Town.
Bradford PA club secretary Colin Barker said: "That's correct. He was told by the steward twice not to do it and he went ahead and had a pee.
"He went to the side of the stand as I understand it. I didn't actually see it but the referee definitely sent him off for it because he was alerted to it by his linesman.
"One of our spectators has made a formal complaint so we're waiting to see what will happen from there. But there's no secret about it. It's been reported to the police."
Earlier this month a midfielder in Italy's Serie D - Turris' Giovanni Liberti - was banned for five games for allegedly urinating in the direction of opposing supporters.
