The friendly match between Fortuna Dussledorf and Portuguese giants Benfica has been cancelled after visiting captain Luisao knocked referee Christian Fischer to the ground.
The incident occurred in the 38th minute in both sides' final friendly matches before the new season at Esprit Arena, with the score remaining 0-0.
Fortuna midfielder Oliver Fink was on the receiving end from a particularly late tackle from the Eagles' player Javi Garcia, with the referee awarding a free-kick to the German side.
Despite Garcia's disagreement with the award of the free-kick, club captain Luisao approached the referee in disgust, before forcing him to the ground with what appeared to be a bodycheck, before remaining on the ground motionless for a number of seconds.
Luisao, who has appeared in more than 300 games for the Lisbon side, maintained his innocence before pointing out he merely went to protest the award of the free-kick, after Garcia was booked twice.
With both coaches entering the field of play, the referee was led away by his assistants and visibly dazed after being treated by team doctors of Fortuna.
The match was subsequently cancelled.
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