Football star red-carded after ripping up referee's notebook

US football star Clint Dempsey is making headlines again after he ripped up the referee’s notebook and earned himself a red card in the process.

The 32-year-old was sent off after he reacted angrily to a team-mate receiving a red card in their US Open Cup tie with Portland yesterday. The Seattle Sounders forward then proceeded to snatch the referee’s notebook and tore it to shreds.

Mr Dempsey, who also captains the US National Soccer team, was given his marching orders however the incident then escalated when his Seattle Sounders teammates had to hold him back after he abused a linesman.

The match ended with only seven Seattle players remaining on the field, losing 3 – 1 to Portland and the referee and his officials escorted from the field by police.