An Irish Olympic athlete has posted a scathing criticism about Aer Lingus after he was removed from the plane for having fencing equipment with him.

Arthur Lanigan-O'Keeffe, who will travel to Rio later in the summer for the Olympic games, was hoping to go to a competition as part of his preparations, when he was asked to step off the flight. 

The 24-year-old pentathlon athlete then took to Facebook to share his disgust at the situation.