Former Russia captain Roman Shirokov hospitalised an amateur league referee after attacking him during a game.

Shirokov begins the clip below on the ground protesting that a penalty should be awarded to his side.

He then jogs over to referee Nikita Danchenko and the pair look to exchange heated words on the pitch.

After being given a red card, former midfielder Shirokov then strikes Danchenko across the face and kicks him when down on the ground as other players attempt to restrain him.

Eyewitnesses at the game have claimed Shirokov told the official “If you show a red one, I’ll give you,” before making a gesture with his fist.

The former Zenit man has since been suspended by MatchTV, the station he worked for as a pundit.

Artur Petrosyan shared an image of Danchenko’s face following the attack and he received a number of gashes around his eye.

Danchenko also gave update on his condition and revealed he spent four hours in hospital having the wounds treated.

“I spent four to four and a half hours in the hospital, then another 15-20 minutes in the emergency room,” he explained. “They put stitches everywhere, did a bunch of examinations. And most importantly, everything seems to be fine with me.

“What does not kill you will make you stronger, as they say. Therefore, we continue to go further and continue to work.

“I want to thank everyone for the words of support, this is a difficult moment for me and my loved ones.

Tournament organiser German Popcov condemned the attack and labelled it ‘disgusting.’

“There was an ordinary episode, Roman’s dispute with the referee, and then the beating began,” he stated per The Mirror.

“This is unacceptable, disgusting and terrible. [It’s] very strange behaviour. A lot of people saw it live, all this from a million angles. And this is from people with whom we are completely friends.”

Shirokov posted a lengthy apology on social media and expressed his regret over the incident.

“I would like to express my sincere apologies to Nikita for such an inappropriate act committed by me,” the 39-year-old begun.

“I am well aware that not assigning an obvious penalty and then the red card shown cannot be a reason for waving his hands, I hope Nikita as soon as possible will return to service.

“I also want to apologize to the organizers of the tournament, my teammates, Match TV and viewers.”

source:- sportbible