Crazy football moments: Referee punched by coach after controversial penalty award

Crazy scenes unfolded in Ecuador’s LigaPro on Saturday evening as referee Alex Cajas was struck in the face and knocked to the ground after awarding a late penalty in the clash between Macara and Aucas.

Whenever a referee makes a controversial call, they must brace themselves for a torrent of protests for the penalised team.

However, the actions of Macara players and staff after Cajas gave a spot-kick to the visitors was completely over the line, sparking chaos that required police intervention.

Cajas awarded the penalty kick following a VAR review where he consulted a pitchside monitor before making a final decision.

As he made his way back onto the playing surface, Cajas was followed by a member of the Macara coaching staff who continued to argue with the official.

The coach then squared up to Cajas and appeared to shove him in the chest. The referee quickly issued a red card to the individual concerned.

This was only the beginning of the madness, though, as a full-scale brawl soon broke out, with other coaches also being given their marching orders.

Per a report from Elcomerico, Macara goalkeeping coach, Hector Lautaro Chiriboga, was the worst offender during the melee.

Footage shows Chiriboga racing over and landing a blow to the face of Cajas, sending him sprawling to the deck.

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Disgraceful scenes, no doubt, but a number of fans on Reddit accused Cajas of having gone down a little too dramatically.

“He was acting so extra when he got punched, lol. It definitely didn’t “make” him flip. Good for tv though,” argued one reply.

“Those all looked like flops. The first one he barely pushed him. The second one he literally didn’t touch him,” agreed another.

“Is there anything worse than a red