Abu Dhabi: Luis Jimenez, the Al Ahli midfielder, turned from hero to villain late on Sunday night during the top clash of the 12th week of the Etisalat Pro League between his team and reigning champions Al Jazira.
Jimenez, returning to play in his first match since recovery from injury, scored both his team's goals in the second and 61st minutes, before being sent off for what appeared to be a head-butt on referee Ammar Al Junaibi in the 75th minute, when protesting a decision about a foul in midfield, which he did not even commit himself.
The expulsion of the former Lazio, Inter and West Ham United player gave a chance to Al Jazira, who pulled one goal back and pressed for an equaliser as they capitalised on the reduction in numbers of the home team.
The UAE FA Disciplinary Committee will investigate the incident in its meeting later this week and it is expected that the Chilean international will be punished severely and could be banned for at least five matches for his unjustified behavior.
Majed Nasir, the UAE and Al Wasl custodian, was banned for 11 matches five seasons ago when he fought with an assistant referee, Saeed Al Houtti.
Nobody was available or ready to comment on the incident, either the officials of the UAE FA, the Al Ahli club or the referee on the grounds that any comments might affect the investigation of the case.