Football: Player's contract terminated after kicking opponent in back

Romeo Parkes kicks New York Red Bulls II defender Karl Ouimette in the back after both were sent off. Photo / Twitter

It was the cheap shot heard around the world. Romeo Parkes, the Jamaica international, has seen his contract with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds terminated after one of the most disgraceful scenes of on-field violence in recent years.

The incident took place in the third tier United Soccer League when the Riverhounds forward launched a kick into the back of New York Red Bulls II centre-back Karl Ouimette.

Both players had been sent off and Ouimette was walking off the pitch when Parkes kicked him in the back.

Instead of walking off the pitch as he intended, however, Ouimette was carried off on a stretcher.

Parkes, meanwhile, was physically restrained by his team-mates and escorted off the field.

The incident, which quickly went viral on social media, was met with widespread recrimination, leading to Parkes' immediate suspension. A lengthy ban awaits.

Team owner Tuffy Shallenberger said: "I want to apologise to the fans and the Red Bulls II organization, as well as Karl Ouimette, for what transpired at the game last night.

"Romeo's actions are not representative of what our organization and its Academy stands for in regards to helping promote and grow this sport in not only the Greater Allegheny area, but also nationwide.

"We understand the severity of this situation and made it a point to respond as quickly as possible within our power."

Official League Statement pic.twitter.com/4hGE0085RE

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) May 8, 2016

Riverhounds captain Kevin Kerr told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "All of a sudden, I just see 20 boys getting after it.

"[Parkes has] been the shining light of this season, to be fair to him. ... He sits next to me in the locker room, and he's the nicest guy you'll meet. So obviously, I didn't see what happened, but I think it was out of character."

Parkes, who was named in Jamaica's preliminary squad for this summer's Copa America, soon took to Twitter to apologise for his actions.

A USL verdict on the incident is due this week