A SOCCER player tackled a streaker who ran on the pitch during a match - and got sent off by the referee.

 

Centre half Ashley Vickers, 39, was cheered as he floored the interloper, who was cavorting in a Borat-style mankini and wig.

But as the streaker was ejected and banned from the ground, ref David Spain gave Ashley the red card - for violent conduct.

Ashley's side Dorchester Town - at 1-1 in the 70th minute of an away match against Havant & Waterlooville FC - went on to be beaten 3-1.

Player-manager Ashley said: "I'm speechless. My only thought was to get hold of the guy so we could get on with the game.

"The stewards thanked me. But the referee went into a frenzy with his whistle."

Both teams argued with the decision and Havant's chairman offered to take off a man at Westleigh Park, Hants. Ashley said: "The ref lost the game after that. He knew he'd made a grave error."

 

 

Mr Spain later sent off two more Dorchester players and ordered their kit men off the touchline for protesting. The crowd of 450 booed him from the pitch after Monday night's game.

Last night, the streaker was identified as Havant fan Alan Young, 20 - who said he did it for a pub bet.

Alan said: "It was only a bit of a joke. The security people were too slow. Ashley caught me quite well - he should be a rugby player." Havant boss Shaun Gale said: "I feel sorry for Ashley. He's devastated."