Things were going well for Columbus Crew SC on Saturday. The Black & Gold were up 1-0 on D.C. United at home and were on the attack in the 74th minute. Justin Meram lost the ball in his attacking third resulting in a 50/50 ball between Crew SC defender Harrison Afful and United midfielder Marcelo Sarvas.
Afful went to ground to win the ball, popped back up to keep playing and was promptly issued a straight red card by referee Silviu Petrescu.
The fullback, who registered the primary assist on his side’s goal, and his teammates were amazed at the straight red.