Kicking out … Argentina captain Javier Mascherano is restrained by a teammate after his sending off. Source: Dolores Ochoa / AFP
Argentina’s World Cup clash in Ecuador was marred by a freakish incident when Javier Mascherano was sent off for kicking the driver of a medical cart.
The 29-year-old Barcelona midfielder appeared to have water thrown at him as he was being taken off the pitch, after picking up a knock, and then kicked the medical staff member navigating the cart.
Referee Enrique Caceres showed Argentina’s captain a red card in the 86th minute which led to angry scenes on the touchline.
Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero opened the scoring from the penalty spot after four minutes before Segundo Castillo equalised 13 minutes later.
Argentina still lead the standings in the South America qualifying group on 26 points, three ahead of second-placed Colombia. – BBC Sport


