Despite most clubs still being knee-deep in preseason training, the preliminary rounds of the Champions League may have already provided the filthiest tackle of the entire 2018-19 season.
Over in Hungary, MOL Vidi FC (formerly known as Videoton) registered a 2-1 win over Luxembourg's F91 Dudelange in the first qualifying round -- however the game ended amid a maelstrom due to a truly disgusting red card offence.
Just one minute before the final whistle, Dudelange defender Bryan Melisse was sent off for this absolutely shocking two-footed "drop kick" assault on Mate Patkai.
Ouch. Memories of Nigel de Jong's similarly violent chest-high lunge on Xabi Alonso in the 2010 World Cup final come flooding back.
And yes, you did just witness Melisse's Dudelange teammates having the temerity to protest and argue against his dismissal with the referee. The nerve of some people!