Philadelphia Union starlet Cavan Sullivan was sent off after appearing to get punched by Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright during a 2-2 draw on Wednesday.
The altercation erupted in the 101st minute of the Major League Soccer fixture following a penalty box collision involving Cavan's older brother, Quinn Sullivan, and Inter Miami defender Ian Fray.
Fray appeared to step over and then on Quinn as the Philadelphia player tried to get back to his feet. Quinn then lifted Fray up and slammed him to the turf, prompting four Inter Miami players to rush to the scene.
Sixteen-year-old Cavan Sullivan rushed in to help his brother and Union teammate. He was immediately confronted by Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair and midfielder Bright, who appeared to catch Sullivan with a fist to the face.
Despite the blow, Sullivan remained on his feet and shoved Bright away before being escorted away from the controversy.
Bright was shown a red card for his role in the scuffle, while Cavan Sullivan was also sent off by the referee. Quinn Sullivan was issued a yellow card.
The red card means Cavan Sullivan will now be suspended for Philadelphia's upcoming game against Austin on Saturday.
Late scuffle ends dramatic match
Cavan Sullivan is widely regarded as one of the most promising young prospects in American soccer. The teenage midfielder signed a homegrown contract with Philadelphia Union that includes an agreement to join English Premier League club Manchester City when he turns 18.
The Philadelphia Union compete in Major League Soccer, the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. The club plays its home matches at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.
The Union youth academy has emerged as a premier developer of American talent, producing both Cavan and Quinn Sullivan as well as teenage defender Neil Pierre.
Manchester City, who play in the English Premier League, are one of the top clubs in world football. The English champions frequently recruit top international prospects for their global academy network.
Earlier in the game, Inter Miami star Lionel Messi cut inside to his preferred left foot from 12 yards out in the 26th minute and curled a shot into the corner of the net.
The strike was Messi's first goal since returning to action following the death of his father. Messi now has 13 goals and nine assists in 17 MLS games this season, as well as six goals and four assists in six matches across all competitions against the Union.
Inter Miami CF, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, signed eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi in 2023. The World Cup winner from Argentina has since led the franchise during a high-profile era in American soccer.
First half volley and VAR decision
Philadelphia Union had taken the lead in the first half when Indiana Vassilev scored with a volley. Cavan Sullivan was credited with his seventh assist of the season on Vassilev's opening goal.
After Messi equalized, 18-year-old Union defender Neil Pierre headed home his third goal in five games this season in the 58th minute to tie the score at 2-2.
Union forward Milan Iloski appeared to put Philadelphia ahead in the 62nd minute, but the goal was reviewed by VAR and waved off after Pierre was found to be offside in the buildup.
