GOALKEEPER Aaron McCarey of Irish League side Glentoran was sent off on Saturday – after lashing out at his own teammate.
Former Wolves stopper McCarey received his marching orders after appearing to strike defender Bobby Burns.
The dramatic incident happened in the 80th minute after Glentoran conceded a leveller from Coleraine's Cathair Friel in their Danske Bank Premiership clash.
BIG TALKING POINT 😲@Glentoran goalkeeper Aaron McCarey sees red for lashing out at team-mate Bobby Burns during their side's 2-2 draw with Coleraine at the Oval.
Report & reaction 👉 https://t.co/DDQkyaJAGB#bbcfootball #BBCIrishPrem pic.twitter.com/mRIhCw86wP
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) October 16, 2021
The goal came after Burns conceded possession in midfield to Coleraine's Lyndon Kane, who raced through the Glentoran half before setting up Friel.
In the aftermath, McCarey appeared to knock Burns over before trying to haul him back up as the defender clutched his face.
A clip of the incident shared by BBC Sport NI has been viewed more than 1million times.
The keeper was booed as he left the field following his sending off and faces a customary three-match ban, although the football authorities could take further action.
There were no further goals as the game finished 2-2, the home side seeing out the match with 10 men.
Manager Mick McDermott downplayed the incident, telling BBC Sport NI: "I'm more concerned with how we conceded the goal.
"But Aaron came into the dressing room and said he shouldn't have done it, he's held his hands up.
"Bobby Burns the same, they're both gutted at what had happened."
He added: "It's not a major incident."
Karl Henry, who played in the Premier League with Wolves, also felt the matter had been overblown.
Henry, who was at Molineux at the same time as McCarey, wrote on Twitter: "Aaron has tried to grab him by the scruff of the neck but Burns dropped to the floor as if he's been hit by a heavyweight."
However English football legend Gary Lineker appeared to be more taken aback by the confrontation, sharing a clip of it with the comment: "Wtf?"
