Matt Miazga stirred up tensions by mocking the height of Diego Lainez as the United States took on Mexico in a friendly.
Chelsea defender Miazga, who is currently on loan at Nantes, looked to embarrass the 5ft 6in 18-year-old Mexican.
Standing at 6ft 4in the Blues man towered over Lainez, much to the delight of the partisan Nashville crowd, before both sets of players waded in to defend their team-mates.
The altercation emerged as the pair tussled for possession near the touchline and the US ace does well to draw a foul from the Club America teenager.
Having already been booked earlier in the match, Maizga took a risk as he continued to mock the Mexican as a fracas emerged between both sets of players – neither Lainez or Miazga was cautioned for the clash.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Miazga looked to play down the clash: ‘It’s normal. We talked a little smack. It’s part of the game. It’s mental warfare.’
It proved to a more positive night for the hosts as the fiery game was settled midway through the second half with Tyler Adams netting his first for his country.
That strike came just three minutes after Angel Zaldivar was sent off for Mexico for a challenge on American Will Trapp.
