WATCH: Honduran footballer sent off for flying two-footed lunge that leaves two opponents injured

A referee brandishes a red card

FILE - A referee brandishes a red card. Photo: Miguel Vidal/Reuters

Published Sep 18, 2023

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A Honduran footballer was sent off this weekend for what could the worst tackle in the history of the sport.

In the dying stages of the Liga Nacional clash between Marathon and league leaders Olimpia, defender Andre Orellana made a desperate challenge as he tried to stop his team from losing the clash.

As the ball approached two opponents, Carlos Pineda and German Mejia, Orellana lunged at the ball and took out both players, leaving them writhing on the ground in pain.

Naturally, the referee reached into his pocket and showed the 21-year-old the red card and sent him to the dressing room for an early shower.

Interestingly, according to reports, Marathon’s Orellana is currently on loan from Olimpia, and last season shared the dressing room with his two victims.

After a backlash from commentators after the game, the youngster recognised the error of his ways and apologised to his victims.

“I think it was a play where the momentum and courage for the game overcame me, it is not correct at all. Germán Mejía told me that nothing was happening, that he loves me and that I was part of the game, that I should not lose my DNA and that I should continue working, that I have a lot to continue growing,” he said, according to media reports.

“This is part of football, all that remains for me is to correct and know how to control each impulse. I have to know how to have a balance. I tell you that this will not happen again.”

IOL Sport

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