How Lionel Messi stayed on the pitch after this altercation during a friendly between Barcelona and Roma last night, we will never know.
No-one should get away attempting to head-butt an opponent and then putting a hand on their throat.
Amazingly, the Argentinian superstar was only shown a yellow card after clashing with former Newcastle defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa during the first half.
Messi is undoubtedly one of football’s all-time greats, but that’s no excuse for this display of temper.
Lionel Messi losing his head against Roma tonight. Imagine the uproar if Cristiano Ronaldo did that. pic.twitter.com/HbClEcX6yu
— Football__Tweet (@Football__Tweet) August 5, 2015
The general reaction was one of shock at such an uncharacteristic display from the normally easy-going player.
Is... is that you, Leo? Messi head-butts and chokes opponent, only gets a yellow card. WATCH: http://t.co/0rWq4uZSUJ pic.twitter.com/7CnY3A9OlC
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 5, 2015
Yo someone needs to get Messi a Snickers pic.twitter.com/SbIDn5HJvR
— Luke Peristy (@LukePeristy) August 6, 2015
I feel like if Messi grabs your throat out of anger you should just never play soccer again.
— Collin Crown (@CollinCrown) August 6, 2015
Although there were suggestions he might be spending too much time with one notorious team-mate.
WTF Messi! Channeling his inner Zidane?! Or is Suarez having too much of an impact on him! https://t.co/6HfhZSIGlT
— ZENIA D'CUNHA (@ZENIADCUNHA) August 6, 2015