Ghana defender Harrison Afful was controversially sent off in Columbus Crew’s 1-1 draw with DC United at home in the MLS on Saturday.

Referee Silviu Petrescu adjudged his tackle on Marcelo Sarvas as a cynical one and pulled out a red card from his pocket in the 74th minute.

D.C. benefited from a controversial sending off and went on to snatch the equaliser.

Afful played a role in Crew’s lead in the 63rd minute when his low curling cross met the foot of a streaking Kei Kamara, who powered it home.