David Villa gets unprecedented red card after video replay
A video replay led to former Spain and Barcelona forward David Villa being sent off for New York City, becoming the first ever player to be red carded thanks to VAR intervention.
Former Barcelona and Spain forward David Villa was sent off in a pre-season game after a video replay was used.
The New York City star was initially shown a yellow card after making contact with the face of Houston Dynamo defender A.J. DeLaGarza on Saturday.
Full screen
READ: Controversial debut for video replay initative
DeLaGarza went to ground despite minimal contact, leading to Villa being booked.
But after reviewing the footage, the referee returned and called Villa over before showing him a red card.
Villa had scored in the first half of the Desert Diamond Cup, but his team were beaten 3-1.