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Boris Johnson can’t resist tackling an opponent, even if it’s a nine-year-old child

Mayor of London sparks shouts of ‘Ref!’ in South Bank kickabout

Loulla-Mae Eleftheriou-Smith
Wednesday 15 October 2014 16:35 BST
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Boris Johnson, just before going in for the kill
Boris Johnson, just before going in for the kill (Vine)

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Boris Johnson has done it again. The man who once took down a German footballer with a wild, Rugby-esque tackle that sent the both players flying, has proved that he will stop at nothing to get the ball.

In his latest feat of bravado, Mayor Johnson successfully tackled a nine-year-old boy, deftly sticking his foot out at the very moment the boy attempted to dribble past him with the football, as part of a promotional match on the grass outside of City Hall.

Onlookers shouted “Ref!” as the nine-year-old fell to the ground, and Mr Johnson held up his hands in apology. The boy then gallantly jumped up, brushed himself off and carried on playing.

The light-hearted football game was reportedly part of a photo-call for a new health report for London, and carried on as normal after the incident.

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