Tensions boiled over during Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Ecuador as Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister clashed with new Arsenal signing Piero Hincapie. The pair exchanged heated words after a late incident in stoppage time, sparking headlines both in South America and the Premier League. After the fiery exchange, Mac Allister later sent a message to his rival.
Mac Allister clashed with Arsenal’s Hincapie in fiery duelEcuador beat Argentina for their first home win since 2009Mac Allister claps back at Hincapie with Instagram postFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The drama unfolded when McAllister confronted Hincapie after a heavy late challenge involving Franco Mastantuono. The Liverpool midfielder pushed the Ecuadorian defender, and the two exchanged words before being separated by teammates. Hincapie had the last laugh on the field, as Ecuador sealed a famous win over Argentina.
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Mac Allister later clapped back at Hincapie on Instagram as he posted an edit of him pushing the Arsenal star with the caption: "YOU ARE NOT LIKE THAT!"
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The spat adds intrigue to what could become one of the Premier League’s most interesting new rivalries. Hincapie has joined Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen in a £45 million deal, while Mac Allister has been an important figure for Liverpool since his arrival. With both players central to their clubs’ midfield battles, this fiery international clash may carry over to England in the league title race.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MAC ALLISTER AND HINCAPIE?
The pair will not be able to face off on the field in the Premier League until January, when Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates. In the meantime, Mac Allister will be back in action with Liverpool against Burnley on Sunday, while Arsenal face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
