Footballer given straight red card for throwing ball at FAN before ‘sticking finger up at referee’

A FOOTBALLER was sent off for throwing a ball at a fan before appearing to stick up his middle finger at the referee.

Seattle Sounders star Nouhou Tolo received a straight red card in an MLS match against Sporting Kansas City.

The defender was sent off in the fourth minute of stoppage time at the end of the match with his side leading 3-1.

Nouhou, 28, picked up the ball and threw it at a Sporting fan standing behind the goal.

The linesman immediately rushed over to calm the situation and informed the referee of the incident.

Ref Elijio Arreguin then brandished a red card as Nouhou protested his innocence.

The 28-year-old raised his middle finger, appearing to explain that is what the fan had done to provoke him.

Sounders boss Brian Schmetzer explained post-match that the fan did give Nouhou the middle finger.

He said: “A fan flipped him off and then he threw a ball into the stands.

“I will deal with Nouhou internally.”;

The incident occurred as officials reviewed the decision to award Sporting a penalty.

The call was upheld and the spot-kick was converted, but there was not enough time for the hosts to grab an equaliser as Sounders won 3-2.