Video: Dempsey sees red for ripping ref's notebook

Red Card generic

The defending champions exited the competition after extra-time in an incident-packed match that saw Seattle end with just seven men after three players were sent off and Obafemi Martins was injured, after the hosts had used all their substitutions.

Undoubtedly, though, the strangest red was reserved for former Fulham and Tottenham man Dempsey in the 114th minute.

Dempsey had already been booked when he managed to get hold of the official's notebook before tearing it into pieces and throwing it to the turf, having been left incensed by the decision to send off Michael Azira.

The experienced forward then had to be held back by team-mates as he left the pitch, before he directed some sarcastic support towards the referee's assistant.

Sounders fans let their feelings about the referee be known with a chorus of boos, as the officials were led from the field by police after the match.

Dempsey is likely to be suspended just for US Cup matches, unless he is deemed to have committed an assault against the referee, in which case a possible three-month ban across US football could apply.

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