Norwegian player sent off for calling opponent "gay"

A Norwegian player has become the first footballer in the world to receive a red card for making a homophobic remark.

Simen Juklerod of Baerum SK was sent off during his side's meting with Sandnes Ulf in the second tier of Norwegian football for calling an opponent "gay".

The midfielder has admitted that he was wrong for dealing out the abuse, but questioned whether the offence warranted a red card.

"There was a second I was not thinking, and said the second word [gay], yes," VG quotes him as saying. "Of course it's completely lame. But I still think that's not a red card."

Norway's head of referees Terje Hauge has backed presiding official Anders Gjermshus's decision to brandish a red card, insisting that he followed the correct procedure.

"We've told our referees that if they hear it clearly and there is no doubt about what's been said then it should be punished with a red card," he said.

Baerum, who lost the match 3-2, confirmed on Twitter that they are dealing with the matter internally.