Former Hearts star Callum Paterson appears to have genitals grabbed by opponent during match

Former Hearts star Callum Paterson was at the centre of a bizarre incident in an English Championship match on Saturday with footage emerging of him having his genitals grabbed by an opponent.

Camera footage appears to show Preston North End defender Darnell Fisher twice touching the Sheffield Wednesday and Scotland man inappropriately in the groin area during Saturday's game at Deepdale.

The video of the incident has gone viral on social media, with some fans calling for the North End player to face disciplinary action for his antics while defending a set-piece.

It is understood that the Football Association is aware of the alleged incident, which occurred as Preston prepared to defend a corner, and will look into it.

Preston North End's Darnell Fisher grabs hold of Callum Paterson's genitals during Sheffield Wedneday's 1-0 defeat at Deepdale this afternoon.

The governing body will decide on its course of action after receiving referee David Webb's report.

Speaking to the media after the game, Owls boss Tony Pulis admitted he was unaware of the incident.

"You’re the first one who’s said that to me… I haven’t seen it, but if that’s the case then that’s the case,” he told The Star.

"I’m sure with everybody on social media and all the places that people look now, he’ll be up in flames now if he’s done that."

The incident has echoes of the notorious clash involving Vinnie Jones and Paul Gascoigne in the late 80s, while England rugby star Joe Marler was hit with a 10-game ban for grabbing Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones’ genitals earlier this year.

Preston won Saturday's match 1-0 with a goal from Tom Barkhuizen after Wednesday, in new manager Tony Pulis' first match in charge, had Josh Windass sent off.

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