A spiky encounter between Boca Juniors and Gimnasia de la Plata is grabbing the headlines in Argentina today after the referee was forced to send off three players. 

Between dirty tackles, elbows being thrown and violent reactions, there can be very little doubt over any of the cards shown either. 

Oliver Benítez of Gimnasia was the first player to see red after 21 minutes for a reckless and dangerous challenge on Adrián Cubas that looked more like an attempt to do some real damage to his opponent than an honest effort to win the ball. 

Jonathan Calleri was sent packing for an inexplicable lash out at his marker in the second half, when the ball wasn't even near him. The referee spotted it and went straight for the red card, and Calleri eventually returned to apologise to the referee for his actions before leaving the pitch. 

Finally, Boca Juniors' Gino Peruzzi found himself on the other end of what can only be described as an assault from Maximiliano Coronel, who was completely out of control when he lunged at him in the 75th minute of the game.

Boca popped up with a late goal to get a 2-1 win and sit three points clear at the top of the table, but they'll be visited by second place San Lorenzo (who are the Pope's favourite team) next week.