Weston McKennie sent off as USA thrash Mexico in ugly affair

<p>The USA made it six unbeaten against rivals Mexico amid unpleasant scenes that saw four players sent off and the game stopped due to homophobic chanting.</p>

<p>Ex-Leeds United loanee Weston McKennie saw red for what was seen as a punch by VAR officials.</p>

<p>The hosts took the lead in the 37th minute when Christian Pulisic danced through a sea of green and found the bottom corner.</p>

<p>Immediately after half-time, Timothy Weah caused havoc down the right-hand side and his precision pass across the box was fired home by Pulisic for his second.</p>

<p>Ricardo Pepi put the icing on the cake late in the day when he punished a stretched Mexico defence with a cool finish.</p>

<p>The real talking points came on either side of Pepi's goal, with referee Ivan Barton issuing four red cards for violent clashes.</p>

<p>Folarin Balogun was violently scythed down by Cesar Montes in the 69th minute. The Mexican defender saw red and an ugly brawl ensued.</p>

<p>Amid the chaos, McKennie was surrounded by a number of opposition players and was judged to have put his hands on a Mexican throat by VAR.</p>

<p>The American international came under heavy fire during his recent spell at Leeds, but there was never any doubting his passion.</p>

<p>He left the field with a torn shirt, chest and shoulders exposed, kissing the US crest as beer reigned down from the Mexico supporters. </p>

<p>A sorry-looking Mexico were out for blood and in the 85th minute, Gerardo Arteaga decided to have a nibble at Sergino Dest in the corner.</p>

<p>The aftermath led to Arteaga and Dest both seeing red for aggressively pushing each other in the face.</p>

<p>The players collided again to a chorus of whistles while the Mexican supporters threw beer after beer at the scuffling huddle of players.</p>

<p>This questionable behaviour has become a theme in this fixture and the ugliest moment was yet to come.</p>

<p>Referee Ivan Barton halted the game in injury time as an all too familiar Spanish-language homophobic slur rang around the stadium.</p>

<p>In January, FIFA fined Mexico £108,000 for homophobic chanting during two games.</p>

<p>The game resumed, but so did the chanting. The referee blew his whistle four minutes early.</p>

<p>The US triumphed tres a cero and advanced to meet Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League final.</p>

<p>Mexico goes home with their tail between their legs and a lot of work to do on and off the pitch. They'll be hearing from FIFA, too.</p>

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