A HORROR tackle on Luis Diaz led to a mass brawl and was followed by two red cards in Colombia’s ‘friendly’ against Bolivia.
The 27-year-old Liverpool forward is currently on international duty preparing for Copa America.
And it should have been a night of celebration for the star as he scored the 100th goal of his career to help his country claim a 3-0 victory.
Winger Diaz was in stunning form as he assisted Jhon Cordoba for Colombia’s second before adding his own name to the scoresheet by gliding away from three defenders and rifling home into the corner.
However, the contest was far from friendly and it threatened to turn into an all-out brawl in the 67th-minute.
Diaz was sent tumbling to the ground in agony after a horrible two-footed and studs-up challenge from Bolivia’s Hector Cuellar from behind.
While the Liverpool man rolled around in pain, it did not take long for his team-mates to race over and confront the culprit.
That led to players from both teams brawling in a huge push and shove match and melee.
However, despite the disgusting challenge, Cuellar managed to escape with just a yellow card.
But both teams ended up finishing the match with ten men as Daniel Munoz and Cesar Menacho got their marching orders for their heavy-handedness in the trouble.
Meanwhile, there was relief for Colombia and the Kopites as Diaz appeared to suffer no damage.
He played just under 80 minutes before he was taken off and replaced by Santiago Arias.
Diaz had earlier made headlines in the clash, which was held in Connecticut, USA, but this time in much more heartwarming fashion.
A young boy had raced from the crowd on to the pitch to embrace the South American during the early stages of the game.
The child then burst into tears of joy before he was safely escorted from the field.
Colombia begin their Copa America campaign on June 24 against Paraguay.
They then take on Costa Rica and Brazil as they try and win the tournament for the first time since 2001.
That would cap a remarkable season for Diaz, whose father Luis Manuel Diaz Jimenez feared he would not make it out alive as he endured a terrifying 12-day ordeal after being kidnapped by ELN guerrillas in Colombia last year.
But the Liverpool star’s dad was reunited with his jubilant friends and family after finally being released by the rebel group on October 28.
And just days later he burst into tears in the stand after his son scored twice to fire Colombia to victory over Brazil.
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