Sweden players accused of bullying

Published Jun. 13, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Swedish players are facing criticism at home after using the bare backside of the team's reserve goalkeeper for target practice after a training session.

The players and team officials dismissed the incident as normal horsing around among friends, while critics decried it as bullying and said it set a bad example for kids.

After a training session on Tuesday, goalkeeper Johan Wiland lost a game of keeping the ball in the air. As punishment, he had to pull down his shorts and turn his backside toward his teammates, who took turns at aiming balls at him from about 20 yards away. The incident was filmed by a Swedish newspaper crew.

Several players said Wednesday that it was just a fun game that often takes place after training.