SOUTHAMPTON’S pre-season clash with Lazio descended into chaos when players from both sides fought after 15 minutes.
The Saints were looking to step up their Prem preparations by hosting the Serie A giants at St Mary’s.
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Russell Martin’s side took the lead after just five minutes when Carlos Alcaraz set up new player Ben Brereton Diaz to score.
Lazio equalized in the 32nd minute with a stunning goal from Taty Castellanos.
The match reached its most critical point at the hour mark.
After a foul on one of his Lazio teammates, Danilo Cataldi looked to tackle a Southampton player.
Alcaraz, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus, appeared to defend his teammate – pushing Cataldi away.
Cataldi then appeared to put his hand on Alcaraz’s neck, with the enraged pair exchanging shoves.
At this point, several of Cataldi’s Lazio teammates arrived to support him, with Alcaraz’s friends at Southampton not far behind.
All hell then broke loose, with lots of pushing and shoving on both sides – and an angry Alcaraz had to be restrained.
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Saints manager Martin stepped in to try to intervene but was unable to prevent his Argentine star from being sent off.
Lazio were also reduced to 10 men, with Alessio Romagnoli being sent off for his role in the drama.
Cataldi survived the incident without a red card, but was substituted a few minutes later.
During the match, Southampton debuted their “bold” new third kit.
Puma’s pink effort is described as a “thumper” by Saints, who hoped their debut would no longer be remembered for a brawl.
Tonight’s friendly ended 1-1, with neither side able to score after being reduced to 10 men.
After the match, Martin – who SunSport revealed had recently started dating former glamor model Lucy Pinder – told the Daily Echo: “Well, I think two people triggered it. One of us, one of them.
“So their guys finish the field and so do our guys. Their guys want to protect their teammate and our guys want to protect theirs.
“So no, I’m fine with it. I’d rather not have what happened happen, but I like the fact that we were aggressive tonight and we managed the game really well for a young team.
“Physically, I thought we were really, really good. Last week, against Oxford United, they lacked character, personality and aggression.
“Tonight we had a lot of that, maybe a little too much. But I’d rather the balance be like that than the other way around.”
Southampton will continue their pre-season program by facing Getafe on Saturday.
They will then kick off the Premier League season on August 17 with a trip to Newcastle.
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