President's foul play

Bolivian President Evo Morales kneed an opposing player in the groin during a soccer match against a team of political rivals after an apparent hard foul by the opponent, images of the altercation show.

In video aired by local stations and posted to YouTube, the player is seen collapsing to the ground after Morales walks up to him and knees him during the game against a team led by La Paz Mayor Luis Revilla, a former Morales ally who turned against the President this year.

Witnesses said two players were sent off in the the bitterly fought game, which ended 4-4.

Morales was not kicked out, but the player who fouled him was.

Members of Morales' security contingent tried to arrest the player, Daniel Gustavo Cartagena, immediately after the match but Revilla interceded. Morales said Cartagena came at him when he had the ball.

The President denied ordering Cartagena's arrest.