Former Brazil international Luis Fabiano sent-off as referee ‘dives’ after booking Vasco Da Gama striker

FOOTBALL has been plagued by diving, simulation and general whinging in recent years.

But the sport reached a new low over the weekend in Brazil... when a REFEREE dived in order to get a player sent-off.

In a bizarre incident, Luis Fabiano - former Brazilian international now playing for Vasco Da Gama - was booked after slipping and taking out his opponent's legs.

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The referee immediately showed Fabiano the yellow card, but the former Porto forward reacted poorly, presumably trying to make it clear he tripped and it was an accident.

However, in protesting his case, he squared up to the match official and the pair briefly touched chests.

Incredibly, the ref channels his inner-Paul Alcock in stumbling backwards and nearly crumpling to a heap in the floor.

After 'composing himself', the official upgrades the yellow card to red and former Sevilla striker Fabiano was sent for an early bath.

Fabiano - who scored 28 times in 45 international caps for the Samba Boys - and his team-mates were clearly infuriated by the incident... and it's easy to see why.

After all, the beautiful game is tarnished enough with the simulation antics of the players all too often.

What is the sport coming to when the referees are even at it?