West Ham women's star sent off for PUNCHING an opponent in shocking moment

Hawa Cissoko was sent off for PUNCHING an opponent in the Women's Super League match between Aston Villa and West Ham United.

Cissoko was given a straight red card in the final minutes of their league fixture on Saturday.

In the 91st minute, Aston Villa's Sarah Mayling fouled Cissoko, who furiously reacted as she struck her opponent twice.

The Frenchwoman shrugged off Mayling before punching her twice, resulting in a red card.

Things then kicked off in the dugout as Cissoko left the pitch. She squared up to Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, sparking wild scenes on the touchline.

West Ham women's manager Paul Konchesky was also red carded for 'aggressive behaviour' after he confronted the Villa coaches.

Villa boss Carla Ward said she's 'never seen anything like that' when discussing Cissoko's moment of madness.

"I've never seen anything like that in a game, the punch in the face from Cissoko is not acceptable," she said.

"The melee in the dugout is absolutely not ok, from what I've seen. What's frustrating is our girls were superb, they deserved more from that game."

Konchesky added: "Is it harsh? Probably, because I'm sticking up for my player who is getting stuff said to her. 

"Whatever the consequences are, I'll take. We don't want to see that, I get it, but I'll stick up for my players, so I have."

As for the actual match, West Ham opened the scoring in just the second minute thanks to Dagny Brynjarsdottir, who headed home Kirsty Smith's corner from close range.

Honoka Hayashi doubled the visitor's lead 12 minutes later as Villa had the chance to reduce the deficit.

But Mackenzie Arnold saved Alisha Lehmann's second-half penalty.

Kenza Dali eventually pulled one back in the 77th minute.

But the game will be remembered for Cissoko's disgraceful outburst.