Dundee United have parted company with the defender Gavin Gunning by mutual consent, the club said on Tuesday, three days after the Irishman inexplicably picked up the ball and walked off the field during a match.

The 25-year-old was playing in Saturday's league match against Inverness when he scooped up the ball, walked to the touchline and claimed he was injured. He was ordered to return to the pitch by United's manager, Mixu Paatelainen (from 7:00 in video).

When Gunning was substituted shortly after the incident, he walked away down the tunnel whilst appearing to sarcastically applaud the club’s supporters.

United, who are bottom of the Scottish Premiership, released a brief statement which read: “Gavin Gunning has left Dundee United by mutual consent. This is a private matter and the club will not make any further comment.”