FORMER Russia star Roman Shirokov punched a referee in the face and then kicked after warning “give me red, and I’ll hit you” in an amateur game on Monday.
Shirokov – who won won 57 caps for his country – lost his cool after failing to be awarded a penalty.
The veteran midfielder, 39, approached referee Nikita Danchenko and knocked him to the ground with a vicious hook after being shown the red card.
The ex-CSKA Moscow and Zenit ace then kicked him while he was lying motionless on the turf.
An eyewitness claimed Shirokov shouted “give me red, and I’ll hit you” before lashing out.
Danchenko was left with a horrifically swollen face and nasty cut above his eye.
Clearer footage of former Russia midfielder Roman Shirokov attacking the referee during a 'Moscow Celebrity Cup' match.
Strikes the referee after being shown a red card then kicks him when he's down. Despicable. pic.twitter.com/v5oYUtKE5W
— Liam Tyler (@tyler_lj) August 11, 2020
Shirokov did apologise for his outburst, saying: “I would like to express my sincere apologies to Nikita for such an inappropriate act.
“I am well aware that not giving an obvious penalty and then showing a red card shown cannot be a reason for doing this.
“I hope Nikita will return to service as soon as possible.
“I also want to apologise to the organisers of the tournament, my team-mates, Match TV and viewers.”
