USA and Canada players involved in mass brawl in the tunnel following Gold Cup

Players from the USMNT and Canada were involved in a heated brawl following their Gold Cup quarterfinal clash. Tensions boiled over after the USMNT won a dramatic contest via a thrilling penalty shoot-out.

The game was a tense affair with drama ensuing from the very first minute. Linesman Christian Espinosa was forced to leave the field when Canada left back Kamal Miller cleared the ball which hit the official’s face causing him to bleed from his head.

There was little action until the 88th minute mark when USMNT’s Brandon Vazquez scored the first goal of the game. This was followed by a 93rd minute penalty converted by Steven Vitoria taking the game to extra time.

Two more goals lead to a penalty shoot-out which saw USMNT and Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner make two crucial saves. Canada’s Charles Brym had his final penalty hit the bar giving the USA a hard-fought victory.

Following the game, players from both sides were filmed walking down the tunnel before words were exchanged between the rival nations. The teams then proceeded to shove each other while players tried to hold any angered team mates back.

Both sides clamed down and were separated after several minutes of arguing. According to Marca, the conflict began when USMNT players allegeldy mocked their opponents after the penalty shoot-out win.

It has also been reported that the teams were involved in an incident at half-time with both sets of players appear to get involved in a heated exchange of views. The tension was quickly defused by coaching staff before any altercations erupted, but emotions erupted again after the final whistle.

It is not the only clash to involve the USMNT in recent weeks. A dramatic CONCACAF Nations League meeting in Las Vegas against Mexico saw things turn ugly with the game called off early by the referee.

Four red cards were dished out, the first going to Mexico’s Cesar Montes after lashing out at Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun. An on-field scuffle then ensued, resulting in Leeds United midfielder Weston McKennie being shown a straight red.

Sergino Dest was then involved in a heated clash with Gerardo Artega and both players were also forced to leave the field. The game was then called off in the 89th minute after homophobic chanting broke out in the stands.