Germany's goalkeeper Bernd Leno was embroiled in an unsightly incident with a ball boy during Fulham's Boxing Day clash against Bournemouth.
The Fulham goalkeeper grew increasingly frustrated with what he perceived as time-wasting by the Bournemouth ball boys in the second half of their Premier League encounter at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday.
The netizens were furious with Leno on his act.
During the first half, Justin Kluivert put the home side ahead following an excellent assist from Alex Scott. Dominic Solanke then doubled Bournemouth's lead in the second half from the penalty spot.
Despite Fulham's attempts to find a way back into the match in the second period, they struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Leno's mounting frustrations reached a boiling point when, while trying to retrieve the ball for a goal kick, he pushed a young ball boy.
Initially requesting the ball to be thrown to him, Leno then took the ball from the youngster and pushed him in the chest, provoking an angry response from Bournemouth supporters behind his goal. Consequently, he faced boos whenever he touched the ball in the ensuing minutes.
Realizing his error, Leno was seen apologising to the young ball boy and the home fans. As a precaution, the ball boy was instructed to sit in the stands to prevent further incidents.
Referee Graham Scott later cautioned the home team about time-wasting by their ball boys following complaints from Fulham players. However, despite the warning, the hosts managed to score again, with Luis Sinisterra netting a brilliant third goal, securing a 3-0 victory for Andoni Iraola's side.
Bournemouth's win propelled them into the Premier League's top half, securing 10th position, while Fulham, enduring three consecutive defeats, now stands 13th.
This isn't the first time a Premier League player has been involved in an altercation with a ball boy. In 2013, Eden Hazard infamously kicked a ball boy while trying to retrieve the ball during a League Cup semi-final match against Swansea.
