Footballer red carded for turf throw

Footballers get red carded for a vast range of offences, but this one surely takes the cake.

Chilean forward Fabian Orellana earned the referee's ire after throwing grass at a rival’s head in a bizarre incident during a Spanish La Liga clash.

Playing for Celta Vigo, the 29-year-old became frustrated at the time-wasting tactics of Barcelona's Sergio Busquets during the closing stages of the match.

With Basquets taking an eternity to launch a free kick, Orellana remonstrated with officials before bending down to pick up a piece of turf, which he tossed at his rival.

In a classic piece of play acting Busquets flinched and clutched at his face after being hit by the grass, while the referee - who had seen the incident - immediately approached Orellana and flashed his red card.

Barcelona then held on to win 1-0 with Orellana set to be suspended for the next game.