Ander Herrera was shown a red card for fighting with a security guard whilst on the bench at the Club World Cup.
The ex-Manchester United midfielder was one of three players who were given their marching orders in a fiery group stage showdown between Boca Juniors and Benfica, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Ander Herrera managed to earn himself a dismissal from the sidelines in Boca Junior's opening match at the Club World Cup
5
Ander Herrera managed to earn himself a dismissal from the sidelines in Boca Junior's opening match at the Club World CupCredit: Getty
Herrera, who joined the Argentine side in January, played just the first 20 minutes of the match before being forced off through injury.
But his involvement in the ill-tempered clash didn't end there, as he then found himself embroiled in a physical altercation with one of the pitchside security guards on the stroke of half-time.
With Boca leading 2-0, the 35-year-old tried to shove his way past to confront referee Cesar Arturo Ramos at the VAR monitor in protest over a penalty decision given against his side.
This prompted the security to step in and stop Herrera, who was then shown a red card by the match official for his behaviour.
Read more on club world cup
Despite the physical nature of the incident, the official reason given for the dismissal was dissent.
And things soon got even worse for Herrera, as the referee confirmed his decision to award the penalty, which was converted by ex-Real Madrid star Angel Di Maria.
Former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi then equalised for Benfica on 84 minutes, cancelling out Miguel Merentiel and Rodrigo Battaglia's first-half goals for Boca.
The Portuguese giants' late fightback came despite being reduced to 10 men midway through the second half.
Andrea Belotti was given his marching orders in the 72nd-minute for a high boot into the head of Ayrton Costa.
And there was still time for one more player to pick up a red card, as Boca's Jorge Figal evened the numbers on 88 minutes when he was sent off for a reckless challenge by the touchline.
Herrera had previously aired his grievances with referee Cesar Arturo Ramos during his 20 minutes on the pitch
5
Herrera had previously aired his grievances with referee Cesar Arturo Ramos during his 20 minutes on the pitchCredit: Getty
The ex-Man United star was later joined by Andrea Belotti as one of three players to be dismissed
5
The ex-Man United star was later joined by Andrea Belotti as one of three players to be dismissedCredit: Getty
Jorge Figal completed the trio of players who were shown a straight red card
5
Jorge Figal completed the trio of players who were shown a straight red cardCredit: AFP
Despite Herrera's dismissal not having a direct impact on the game, it marked yet another low for the Spaniard since his move to Argentina.
The ex-Paris Saint Germain star has made just nine appearances after joining the Buenos Aires outfit upon the expiry of his contract with Athletic Bilbao.
Fitness issues have plagued Herrera in recent years, who featured in 48 league games across three years with Athletic club.
And things haven't fared much better at Boca, with Herrera encountering three separate issues in three consecutive games, the last of which reduced him to tears.
A hamstring injury forced him off after 65 minutes on his debut for the club, before pulling up in the warm-up in what was supposed to be his comeback game against Defensa y Justicia.
The third blow came against Newell's Old Boys in March, where he was forced off within 10 minutes of his introduction, leaving him inconsolable.
Herrera previously made 189 appearances for Man United in five years at Old Trafford.
5
Herrera previously made 189 appearances for Man United in five years at Old Trafford.
With Herrera now set to miss the next three matches, he will be hoping his side can progress in his absence at the Club World Cup to have any chance of featuring again.
Bocas are in Group C with Bayern Munich and Auckland City, with the German champions thrashing the New Zealand side 10-0 on Sunday.