Preston North End defender captured on video grabbing Sheffield Wednesday striker Callum Paterson's genitals
Sheffield Wednesday’s Callum Paterson was at the centre of a bizarre incident during today’s defeat at Preston North End – with footage emerging of him having his genitals grabbed by the home side’s Darnell Fisher.
The video of the 26-year-old defender inappropriately touching the Scottish international has gone viral on social media this evening, with some fans calling for the North End man to face disciplinary action for his antics while defending a set-piece.
Speaking to the media after the game, Owls boss Tony Pulis admitted he was unaware of the incident.
"You’re the first one who’s said that to me… I haven’t seen it, but if that’s the case then that’s the case,” he told The Star.
"I’m sure with everybody on social media and all the places that people look now, he’ll be up in flames now if he’s done that."
The incident has echoes of the notorious clash involving Vinnie Jones and Paul Gascoigne in the late 80s, while England rugby star Joe Marler was hit with a 10-game ban for grabbing Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones’ genitals earlier this year.
Wednesdayite Chris Robinson shared the video on Twitter, where it has already been viewed more than 380,000 times.
He posted: “What the HELL is Fisher doing to Paterson here?????”
Other supporters were quick to condemn Fisher.
Ian Fletcher wrote on Twitter: “@EFL if I did that In public I would expect to be arrested, it’s sexual assault and has no place in football. Anybody who thinks this is acceptable in any circumstances, shouldn’t be allowed out in public, bet you do nothing about it!”
And @DrMatthew83 tweeted: “What is that teaching to children/teenagers who watch the game? That it’s ok to do that?!? @EFL @EFL_Comms.”
Paterson didn't appear to raise the issue at the time and the game – which Preston won 1-0 – continued with Fisher facing no on-field punishment.
But whether he’ll face any retrospective action by the game’s authorities is another matter.
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