ROYAL RUMBLE
Rafa Benitez bemused as three players sent off in 94th minute after mass brawl as Dalian KO’d in CSL play-off
RAFA BENITEZ watched on as a mass brawl in Dalian Pro's defeat to Tianjin Teda saw three players sent off in the 94th minute.
The former Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle manager experienced one of the more eventful matches of his long career.
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Benitez's side were winning the game 2-1, but trailed Tianjin Teda 3-2 on aggregate in the Super League play-offs.
Knowing some good old gamesmanship would see them through, Tianjin decided to run down the clock holding the ball by the corner flag.
The corner was taken short to Frank Acheampong and Dalian immediately put him under pressure, a series of shoves and kicks sparked a full-blown royal rumble.
The referee was quick to go over and start dishing out the cards, but it didn't stop Dilian keeper Jiamin Xu from flying into the thick of things, pushing Acheampong back to the floor resulting in him being shown red.
Guowen Sun received a second yellow card for his role in the melee after the referee went to the VAR screen to re-examine the situation and bring the culprits to justice.
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Despite the original foul being committed on a Tianjin player, the hosts didn't escape punishment, Kaimu Zheng was shown a straight red card for his reaction.
Dalian clearly didn't take too kindly to the time-wasting with the whole team getting involved, bringing the game to a disappointing end.
Benitez could hardly believe what was unfolding in front of him, his side completely lost their heads at such a crucial moment in the game.
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