Forgotten former Premier League player sent off for kicking opponent during Copa America match

West Ham and Everton fans may remember Enner Valencia for his prowess in the box (or lack thereof), but not for his MMA skills.

The Ecuador captain appeared shocked after receiving a straight red card for his judo kick to his opponent’s face during the Copa America on Saturday night.

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Ecuador faced Venezuela at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco and scored a goal through Brighton wonderkid Jeremy Sarmiento before half-time.

This was despite the South American nation being down a man after Valencia’s 22nd minute sending off.

In his attempt to reach the ball, the former West Ham star missed and hit José Martinez’s face with a high boot.

This left the Philadelphia Union star collapsed on the ground, requiring urgent medical assistance.

As the midfielder dealt with it, it was recommended to the referee to take a look at the incident on the pitchside monitor.

After watching the moment several times, the referee had no choice but to brandish a red card and send Valencia for a morning bath.

Ecuador then lost the match 2–1 as Venezuela capitalized on their numerical advantage after the break with two goals in the second half.

Valencia, who now plays for Brazilian Internacional, will now be suspended for Ecuador’s next match against Jamaica.

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He could also face further sanctions and miss the upcoming Copa America match against Mexico, with both countries being the other two nations in their group.

As one of Ecuador’s most important players and its captain, this would be a big blow for head coach Felix Sánchez.

Valencia spent three seasons in the Premier League after West Ham signed him from Mexican side Pachuca following a fine World Cup where he scored five times.

This would also be the exact number of goals he would score in his first season in east London, in 37 appearances.

The following season Valencia could only score five again and in his third season at West Ham he was loaned to Everton where he scored three goals.

His time in England would end after this, being allowed to leave for Mexican side Tigres UANL for £4.2 million, rediscovering his goalscoring talent with 17 goals in all competitions.

Valencia would then return to Europe in 2020 when he signed for Fenerbahce for three seasons before joining Internacional in 2023.