WOMEN'S football star Shirley Caicedo has been sent off… for kicking a referee in the NUTS.
The midfielder plays for Leonas del Norte in Ecuador's Women's Super League.
Caicedo, 19, helped her side take the lead in a recent home clash with Club Nanas.
But tempers flared as the visitors went 2-1 in front in added time.
Bleached-blonde Caicedo first picked up the ball and booted it at the hapless official, narrowly missing his head.
She then joined a posse of angry Leonas players confronting the ref – and kicked him in the groin before shocked team-mates could usher her away.
Read More Football Stories
Watch shocking moment footballer attacks female referee after being sent off
Villarreal vs Liverpool – Champions League: Get £30 BONUS plus £10 casino credit
The official bravely stayed on his feet despite the agonising pain.
But Ecuador's FA has opened an inquiry, and hot-tempered No11 Caicedo could face a lengthy ban.
Images of the incident have since gone around the world.
One observer wrote: "That ref must have balls of steel. He barely reacts!"
Most read in Football
GARD OF HONOUR 
Man Utd star Lingard wanted by Juventus and AC Milan in free summer transfer
Man Utd and Arsenal transfer boost with Norwich set to sell Max Aarons
Punter wins £158,000 from 60p SIXTEEN team accumulator after late Zaha winner
Chelsea star Jorginho 'offered Serie A transfer return by Juventus'
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
This wasn't the only worrying incident involving a referee to have happened in the last week.
Over in Brazil, a match descended into chaos when a red carded men's player ran after a female referee.
Nautico player Jean Carlos took issue with the referee's decision during his side's clash with Retro – having to be held back by his team-mates.
Source: Read Full Article