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Arsenal's new defender, Piero Hincapie, had a heated encounter with Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister during a World Cup qualifier.
Hincapie recently joined the Gunners on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen, with an option to make the move permanent next summer. He was the final addition to Arsenal's summer signings and is yet to make his debut, having completed his transfer on deadline day.
Following his signing, the 23-year-old immediately departed London for South America to participate in Ecuador's last two World Cup qualifiers. After a goalless draw with Paraguay, Ecuador's campaign reached a thrilling climax at the Estadio Monumental in Guayaquil.
Ecuador concluded an impressive campaign by defeating Argentina 1-0, courtesy of a penalty from Enner Valencia.
This victory secured the team second place in South American qualifying, surpassing football giant Brazil, who finished fifth. Chelsea's Moises Caicedo was shown a red card for Ecuador, as was Benfica's Nicolas Otamendi.
Despite Argentina already securing top spot in the group and Ecuador confirming its place in the 2026 World Cup, tensions were high. Liverpool's Mac Allister confronted Hincapie after a robust challenge on his teammate Franco Mastantuono during injury time.
The incensed Liverpool midfielder charged into the fray, shouting at his opponent and wagging his finger. Hincapie seemed to claim his innocence and avoided any sanction from the official.
The controversy didn't dampen Ecuador's triumph for Hincapie, who marked the occasion by sharing an image of himself applauding Valencia's spot-kick with the words "the best" dedicated to the former West Ham forward.
A catch-up with Mac Allister won't happen imminently, considering Liverpool faced Arsenal on August 31 just prior to the international interval.
The Merseysiders prevailed over their Premier League championship contenders at Anfield courtesy of Dominik Szoboszlai's magnificent set-piece, and they won't clash again in the division until January 7.
Hincapie is enthusiastic about his fresh challenge and has his sights set on honors with Arsenal this campaign, having secured the Bundesliga crown with Leverkusen in 2024.
"It only took one conversation to make me feel sure about the decision that I was taking. I'm over the moon," he told the club website.
"I want to gel as best as I can with my new teammates and have a good season. I always want to win trophies for this club, to make a name for myself, and to leave a mark.
"I want to get off to a good start quickly, and that's the most important thing."
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