Rafa Leao Punches Roman, Both Sent Off in Portugal Friendly

Milan forward Rafa Leao was sent off for punching Chilean player Roman during a friendly between Portugal and Chile. Both players received red cards. Leao had started in Portugal's previous match before the World Cup. He is a forward for Milan. The confrontation began after a foul in which Leao was not involved. Leao and Roman first shoved each other and wrapped their hands around each other's necks. The altercation escalated into a fistfight, captured in clear footage that leaves no room for doubt. The video shows the two players exchanging blows. Both Leao and Roman were shown red cards for the incident. The referee dismissed them from the match. The episode occurs just days before the World Cup and follows Leao's recent farewell statements about Milan that upset the Rossoneri environment. It adds pressure on the Portuguese forward ahead of the tournament. The incident is unlikely to improve Leao's reputation among clubs that may be interested.