THE CONCACAF Nations League semi-final between the USA and Mexico descended into chaos as FOUR players were sent off in mass brawls and sick homophobic chanting was heard in the crowd.
Mexico stars Cesar Montes and Gerardo Arteaga were sent for early showers along with Americans Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest.
GETTYThe USA and Mexico renewed their rivalry in Las Vegas on Thursday night[/caption]
GETTYTheir Concacaf Nations League semi-final tie descended into chaos in the second half[/caption]
GETTYA staggering four players were given their marching orders following two scuffles[/caption]
GETTYGerardo Arteaga and Sergino Dest were sent off in the match, which was marred by homophobic chanting[/caption]
Montes kicked off the slew of red cards with a cynical kick out at Arsenal‘s Folarin Balogun in the 69th minute.
The shocking challenge sparked a huge ruckus in which McKennie – who was on loan at Leeds last season – was also shown red.
Arteaga and Dest were given their marching orders following a second mass brawl in the closing stages of the match.
The bad blood spilled over into the crowd, with sections of Las Vegas Allegiant Stadium throwing drinks and hurling out homophobic slurs.
While clips emerged on social media of scraps between rival supporters in the stands.
Stadium announcers warned supporters that the match could be stopped due to the chanting and the game was eventually temporarily paused.
And referee Ivan Barton even decided to call a halt to proceedings six minutes into the 12 allotted for extra time.
The USA booked their place in the final of the tournament thanks to a 3-0 win in Sin City.
GETTYChristian Pulisic scored a brace as the USA rant out 3-0 winners at Allegiant Stadium[/caption]
A brace from Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic and Ricardo Pepi strike saw the Americans set up a tasty clash with their northern neighbours Canada on Monday.
Pulisic said: “It’s a great scoreline for us, it’s a big win and we’re into the finals.
“But the game didn’t need to turn into all the madness that it did.
“They really need to control the game much more. It’s sad.
“And now we’re missing two good players just because everyone’s losing their heads.
“I’m a little bit upset but at the end of the day we’re in the final.”