Lazio defender Luiz Felipe was inconsolable in floods of tears, sent off after the final whistle of the 3-1 win over Inter for what he argued was a joke gone wrong.
The tension was already sky high at the Stadio Olimpico, as Lazio took a 2-1 lead with Felipe Anderson, scoring when Federico Dimarco was down hurt.
The situation erupted again at the final whistle, when Luiz Felipe jumped on Joaquin Correa’s shoulders from behind to celebrate the win.
They were very close and teammates at Lazio up until a few months ago, but Correa did not seem to realise who it was – or thought it in poor taste anyway – and reacted angrily.
The referee saw this and showed a red card to Luiz Felipe, who burst into tears as he desperately tried to explain it was meant to be a joke with a very good friend.
This red card, if upheld, will rule Luiz Felipe out of the next match, where Francesco Acerbi is already suspended for insulting the referee.
⏰ Full time whistle goes
👊 Players begin to brawl
🔴 Luiz Felipe sees red
😭 Luiz Felipe is in floods of tearsA crazy end to an enthralling game between Lazio and Inter. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/TkPiIwhzDN
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 16, 2021
Inter bit touchy! Why would you kick the ball out? Laturo made himself look like a brat! Anyway Handanovic just needed to keep hold of the ball and he failed! Look at yourselves in mirror! Forza Lazio
Good game from Lazio they deserved it. Forza Inter
Correa over-reacted, he was probably already angry because Lazio fans didn’t welcome him nicely. Luiz Felipe was really full of joy, like a young kid, and didn’t control his enthusiasm when he tried to hug his friend, without realizing how angry Joachim was. Tears of Luiz were impressive, he really couldn’t understand why he was not understood in his expression of friendship with Correa.