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

Boris Johnson, just before going in for the kill (Vine)

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.