VIDEO: Pre-season friendly descends into chaos as two former Premier League stars PUNCH each other in Real Betis vs Como brawl

The contest in question took place in Cadiz, with the Liga and Serie A sides readying themselves for the 2025-26 campaign. Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is in charge of Betis, while former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas is calling the shots at Como.

They were unable to control their players, with a fuse being lit late in the first half. Ex-West Ham midfielder Pablo Fornals took issue with opponent Maximo Perrone, leading to a face shove being delivered.

Players from both teams rushed to get involved, with Betis striker Cucho Hernandez landing a blow on team-mate Natan at one stage after throwing a right hook in the direction of a Como rival.

Former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin took his protests to the match referee too far, leading to the Spanish defender being shown a red card. Perrone was also given his marching orders, but Fornals was surprisingly let off the hook.

An entertaining encounter finished 3-2 in favour of Como, but it is yet to be determined whether the two teams will face further disciplinary action as those at the heart of an unsightly melee are stung with suspensions that rule them out for the start of a new season.