David Pratt, a striker with English non-league side Chippenham Town, is thought to have set a new world record for the world’s fastest-ever red card after being sent off only three seconds into a match.
Pratt, described by Chippenham Town secretary George McCaffrey as 'a mild-mannered young man' and 'a really nice lad,' received his marching orders after lunging at Bashley’s Christopher Knowles straight from kick-off.
Bashley went on to win the Southern Premier Division match 2-1, but Pratt, a plumber in his day job, insisted the sending off was harsh.
The 21-year-old told BBC: "I felt hard done-to by the ref's decision but he thinks it was a red card so I have to take it.
"The world record is not a big deal for me, its not something that I'm proud of."
The previous record for the quickest red card was held by Bologna's Giuseppe Lorenzo, who was dismissed after 10 seconds for thumping an opponent in an Italian league game in 1990.
Ex-Sheffield Wednesday keeper Kevin Pressman was the previous English record holder, being red-carded after 13 seconds for handling outside the box against Wolves in 2000.
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Pratt, described by Chippenham Town secretary George McCaffrey as 'a mild-mannered young man' and 'a really nice lad,' received his marching orders after lunging at Bashley’s Christopher Knowles straight from kick-off.
It was his first move of the match, and it was to prove Pratt's first - and last - contribution prior to his early bath.
Bashley went on to win the Southern Premier Division match 2-1, but Pratt, a plumber in his day job, insisted the sending off was harsh.
The 21-year-old told BBC: "I felt hard done-to by the ref's decision but he thinks it was a red card so I have to take it.
"The world record is not a big deal for me, its not something that I'm proud of."
The previous record for the quickest red card was held by Bologna's Giuseppe Lorenzo, who was dismissed after 10 seconds for thumping an opponent in an Italian league game in 1990.
Ex-Sheffield Wednesday keeper Kevin Pressman was the previous English record holder, being red-carded after 13 seconds for handling outside the box against Wolves in 2000.
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