Swedish Prime Minister upset at team’s arse-baring training antics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrLIL5TuT0k

Bizarre footage of the Swedish football team lobbing balls at reserve goalkeeper Johan Wiland's arse in the wake of their 2-1 defeat to Ukraine have been rebuked by the nation's prime minister.

Footage was released yesterday of the Wiland bending over and having footballs directed at this bare backside during the team's training practice on Tuesday, the day after the side lost to host nation Ukraine.

According to Swedish newspaper Expressen, the punishment was due to Wiland failing at a game of "Pig", in which the players attempt to keep the ball in the air as long as possible.

However, the nature of the clip and whether it was horseplay or bullying has divided Sweden, with the Scandinavian nation's Prime Minister even weighing in on the subject.

“People who carry expectations should be aware of that, and act accordingly," said Fredrik Reinfeldt, the Swedish Prime Minister, while midfielder Pontus Wernbloom said that the footage was innocent.

Instead, Wernbloom pointed the finger at Sweden's media for blaming his teammate Mikael Lustig - at fault for Ukraine's second goal - after the defeat. "I think that's bullying," he said.