Referee collides with player, kicks player, shows player red card (Video)

In the 90th minute of PSG’s 1-0 win at Nantes on Sunday, frustration had begun to set in – for the hosts, who had held the league leaders in check but were heading for a loss; and also, apparently, for the referee.

As PSG broke in search of a second goal, the ref collided with Nantes defender Diego Carlos. Carlos appeared to nudge the ref as he ran behind him, trying to catch up with the play. The ref took a tumble, and before he could get up, kicked out at Carlos’ shins.

And if that wasn’t enough … When he did get up, he reached for his pocket and showed Carlos a red card.

Which, frankly, is ridiculous.

Carlos, naturally, was running faster than the ref. The ref’s run cut him off. It appears Carlos simply reached out as a natural reaction to an obstacle coming into his path. And even if Carlos did give him a forearm to the back, the kick is inexcusable – though also great comedy.

There are all kinds of stories – many of them from South America – of violence between players and referees. But this is a new one.

PSG, by the way, held on for the 1-0 win.

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Henry Bushnell covers global soccer, and occasionally other ball games, for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Question? Comment? Email him at henrydbushnell@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @HenryBushnell.