Hector Herrera was shown a straight red card after appearing to spit at the referee during Houston Dynamo’s MLS Cup Playoffs match against the Seattle Sounders.

Herrera had just been booked for a slight trip on Sounders defender Jackson Ragen and was furious with the decision made by the referee. When walking off and while the referee had his back turned, Herrera appeared to spit on the ground behind him aggressively.

The referee turned around but missed the incident, although his officiating team handling VAR was all over it and instantly requested an on-field review. The referee only needed one replay to make his decision, and sent Herrera off.

The decision was contested by Herrera and his Houston teammates, but the red card stood. The Dynamo were facing elimination from the MLS Cup Playoffs heading into the game, and could see their captain face further disciplinary action.

It was the second time in the best-of-three series that Houston was reduced to 10 men, as midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla was sent off in the 66th minute of Game 1. Seattle ended up winning the opening game on penalties after a 0-0 scoreline through 90 minutes.

Herrera is an experienced soccer player with over 100 appearances at international level for Mexico. He started his career in Liga MX with Pachuca before finding success in Europe for both FC Porto and Atletico Madrid.

During his time in Porto, Herrera was named Player of the Season in 2014-15 and also lifted the league title in 2017-18. Herrera then transferred to Atletico in the summer of 2019 and won La Liga during the 2020-21 season.

In March 2022, Herrera signed a pre-contract agreement with the Dynamo and committed to becoming a designated player. Herrera helped Houston win the U.S. Open Cup in his first season and ensured they reach the MLS Cup Playoffs this year.

Herrera is contracted with Houston until the end of this season, but does have an option of an additional year in 2025 should the player and club choose to extend his deal. Herrera is still only 34 but admitted earlier this season that he would love to finish his career with the Dynamo.

“I would be delighted to be able to finish here with Houston,” Herrera told MLS. “I am very happy with the city, with the team, with the people, the way they treat me here, and I think that is the most important thing, no?

“I personally am very happy with the decision I made to come here… It is a very competitive league that seems easier than it is from outside… I like that any team can win. That attracts me a lot. It is very physical with a lot of quality as well.”