Rafael Leao was dismissed for violent conduct during Portugal's friendly against Chile on Saturday evening after footage appeared to show him striking Ivan Roman in the face.
The AC Milan forward became embroiled in a confrontation with the Chilean defender shortly before half-time at Lisbon's Jamor Stadium.
Following a VAR review, Italian referee Giovanni Baccini brandished red cards to both players, reducing each side to ten men for the remainder of the match.
Even an intervention from Cristiano Ronaldo, who attempted to reason with the official, failed to overturn the decision against his teammate.
A brawl broke out in a warm-up match between Portugal and Chile
|GETTY
The flashpoint erupted when Joao Cancelo made a robust challenge on a Chilean player, prompting Roman to confront the Portugal defender with pushing and shoving.
Leao rushed to his teammate's defence, shoving Roman before the altercation escalated further.
The Chilean then fell to the ground in what Portuguese players perceived as theatrical fashion, further inflaming tensions on the pitch.
Multiple players from both sides converged on the scene and had to be separated before the referee could restore order.
The official took time to consider his decision before sending off both Leao and Roman, with the match goalless at the interval.
Rafael Leao was sent off for violent conduct after hitting Ivan Roman in the face
|GETTY
Leao, who turns 27 this year, confirmed his intention to depart AC Milan in an interview with Sport TV last weekend, having spent seven seasons at the San Siro.
"I think I gave Milan everything I could give," he said. "It is a club that helped me grow a lot and supported me through difficult moments. I am happy to have left my mark on the club's history."
The Portuguese winger has registered 80 goals and 65 assists across 291 appearances for the Italian club.
Milan have set an asking price of £43million for the former Lille man, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea all reportedly interested in securing his signature this summer.
The dismissal for violent conduct could carry significant consequences beyond Saturday's friendly fixture.
🚨🚨| IVAN ROMAN AND RAFAEL LEAO HAVE BOTH BEEN SENT OFF! 🟥 pic.twitter.com/AQk5KavufG
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) June 6, 2026
While red cards in warm-up matches typically result in suspensions limited to further friendlies, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee retains the authority to extend bans to official competitions when violent conduct is involved.
Should the world governing body opt to take action, Leao risks being sidelined for Portugal's opening World Cup fixtures, with the tournament commencing on 11 June.
Portugal face DR Congo in their Group K opener on 17 June, followed by matches against Uzbekistan and Colombia.
For now, Roberto Martinez's squad must await the official post-match report and any subsequent disciplinary review.