Referee Explains The Bizarre Reason Why He Kicked Nantes Player

In a remarkable series of events during Paris Saint-Germain's 1-0 win over Nantes on Sunday evening, referee Tony Chapron kicked defender Diego Carlos.

It was obvious that the defender appeared to accidentally trip him up in injury time, but Chapron proceeded to show Carlos a second yellow card for 'dissent' and everyone at home challenged the decision.

Of course, that incident alone stole the headlines and now the referee involved has tried to explain his actions.

Chapron said to AFP via Get French Football: "When I collided with Diego Carlos, I felt a sharp pain in an area where I had suffered a recent injury. In a terrible reflex, I stretched out my leg to the player. This clumsy gesture was inappropriate."

After the game, Nantes president Waldemar Kita has called for the referee to be banned for six months after he kicked Carlos while he tried to get on his feet.

Hours later the referee was suspended until further notice.

The ultimate compilation of sporting fails...

So according to Chapron himself, he felt a sharp pain in an area where he'd suffered a recent injury. 'In a terrible reflex' he stretched out his leg to the player.

As you can imagine, his response caused plenty of reaction:

Thoughts on the incident?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Football News, Paris Saint-Germain, Football, Ligue 1, Fails

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_