Rasmus Hojlund endured a bizarre incident during Manchester United‘s game against Chelsea on Friday night.
Hojlund started the Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge, which came just days before United’s Europa League final against Tottenham.
However, minutes into the second half with the score level at 0-0 Hojlund’s game was interrupted.
The striker was seen wearing what appeared to be a smart watch on his right wrist.
This came to the attention of referee Chris Kavanagh and Hojlund was subsequently forced to take off the appliance.
Hojlund then ran over to United’s dugout and handed the watch to a member of staff after removing it.
Rasmus Hojlund was bizarrely hauled off the pitch against Chelsea to remove a smart watch
Hojlund was forced over to the touchline and was seen handing his watch to a member of staff
Referee Chris Kavanagh had noticed the appliance on the Danish striker’s right wrist
As he headed over, Hojlund was left in hysterics by his embarrassing gaffe at Stamford Bridge, although United boss Ruben Amorim was left unimpressed.
The Danish striker had been seen wearing the accessory in the first half, although it was covered under a bandage of sorts.
During Sky Sports’ live coverage of the game, it was announced that Hojlund had been sent to the touchline because he was wearing jewellery.
And fans were left baffled by the incident as they took to social media to express their confusion.
One said: ‘Hojlund really came on the pitch with an Apple Watch.’
Another added: ‘Bruv just wanted to get his steps in,’ before an extra fan joked: ’10k badge on Garmin this weekend.’
Meanwhile, others aimed a dig at the Dane’s poor recent form as one said: ‘Hojlund focusing more on reaching his daily fitness goals on his watch rather than scoring goals.’
Another added: ‘Counting his steps cos (sic) he knows he won’t score,’ before a further fan quipped: ‘Why was Hojlund wearing a watch on the football pitch anyway please.’
Hojlund’s evening went from bad to worse when Marc Cucurella scored what proved to be a decisive goal for Chelsea in the 71st minute after he headed home from Reece James’ delightful cross.
United huffed and puffed but were unable to strike back as Amorim’s side succumbed to their 18th league defeat of the season.
Hojlund struggled to impact the game and despite scoring a dramatic late equaliser against Bournemouth last month, the 22-year-old has failed to kick on.
The clash with Chelsea 27th Premier League match that he has failed to score in this season and he has struck just four times in 31 top flight games.
Hojlund will return to action on Wednesday night when United face Tottenham in the Europa League final, before they conclude the campaign with a home game against Aston Villa next Sunday.