MMA kick. The former Premier League star was sent off for flagrant fouling at the Copa America

Former West Ham and Everton striker Enner Valencia was sent off in the Copa America match after a brutal foul in the middle of the first half.

Ecuador faced Venezuela at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco and went ahead 1-0 after Brighton forward Jeremy Sarmiento scored before halftime.

However, Sarmiento's goal came after Enner Valencia aggressively attacked his opponent and was shown a red card in the 22nd minute. The 34-year-old forward attempted to reach the ball in the penalty area but missed and delivered a serious blow to Jose Martinez, causing the Philadelphia Union midfielder to collapse on the field.

Following a VAR review, Valencia rightfully received a red card and now faces the risk of missing several matches due to suspension. As a result, Ecuador, reduced to ten men, conceded two goals and lost to Venezuela.

The Internacional striker will be suspended at least for the next match against Jamaica on Wednesday. If the suspension extends further, he will also miss Ecuador's match against Mexico next Sunday.