MLS star sent off for sickening headbutt on Premier League loanee

24 July 2023 , 22:30

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Alán Pulido issued a red card against FC Cincinnati

Sporting Kansas star striker Alan Pulido was given a straight red card after he shockingly headbutted Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera

Mosquera, who is spending the season on loan at FC Cincinnati, found himself locked up with Pulido in the first half in their Sunday evening game as the defender pushed the striker when they were down to the ground after pressuring him.

Reacting furiously, the 32-year-old Mexican then launched himself at Mosquera, headbutting him near the temple area and making strong contact with the headbutt. Pulido looked to instantly regret what he had done, first attempting to act like it had been an accident, before sticking his hand in the air insinuating that he'd been apologetic for the headbutt.

Mosquera looked to be in pain, rolling on the floor in agony with referee Daniel Quintiero Huitron running over to the incident and sending off Pulido after he had a good view of the incident.

The 30th-minute red card changed the game completely, with Sporting Kansas leading 2-0 after an own goal from Nick Hagglund and Daniel Rosero scoring - as FC Cincinnati pulled one back just four minutes later to go into half-time a goal down.

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Cincinnati then pulled level just 10 minutes in the second, before Kansas regained the lead through a penalty. But Cincinnati dramatically levelled once again in the 98th minute, sending the game to penalties, which they would end up winning 4-2.

Alan Pulido headbutted on loan Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera

Mosquera was replaced after the headbutt, likely to be evaluated for any head injuries and a concussion check. A number of FC Cincinnati fans were furious with the headbutt, with one tweeted: "That is disgraceful. He should be banned for a long-time."

FC Cincinnati have the option to extend that loan for a further year after he joined Wolves in a £4.5 million deal from Atletico Nacional in Columbia. MLS sides are currently playing in the Leagues Cup during the mid-season break, with Lionel Messi making his debut for Inter Miami this past weekend.

Messi dramatically scored a 94th-minute free-kick to win the game against Cruz Azul, with the likes of LeBron James, Kim Kardashian and David Beckham in attendance.

Charlie Wilson