Manager defends player's "body slam"

The manager of a footballer who "body slammed" an opponent during a Conference North match is defending the player.

Worcester City defender Shab Khan made headlines around the world when footage emerged of him violently reacting to a foul from a Stockport County player in England's sixth tier.

In the clip, Khan was caught high and late by Stockport's Charlie Russell and he reacted by picking up the County player and throwing him to the turf.

Khan was sent off for the act, while Russell was only shown a yellow card, but Khan's manager is defending him.

Carl Heeley told the BBC Khan was subjected to "extreme provocation".

"The football club in no way condones reactions like that," said Heeley.

"But he's had three or four career-threatening injuries from poor tackles. There's certainly a defence there."

Heeley said Khan was "apologetic" for his "over-the-top reaction".

He told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "We've got to remember that incident wouldn't happen if the Stockport player didn't commit an awful challenge. There were a number of poorly-timed tackles that we were the victims of.

"Football's an emotional game. Shab is a lovely, mild-mannered lad. He will just feel he's let his team-mates down."

You can watch the incident below: