Porto and Sporting CP played out a 2-2 draw on Friday night and at the full-time whistle, both sides brawled with four men being sent off.
It was a dramatic contest at the Estadio do Dragao as Porto battled back from 2-0 down to earn a vital point.
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Sebastian Coates had been sent off early in the second half but the real drama started right at the death and of course, Pepe was at the heart of it.
The Porto defender went down in the box after being caught by Joao Palhinha's overhead clearance.
Play continued while Pepe remained grounded but as soon as the referee blew, chaos ensued.
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A 40-man brawl which even involved a few of the ballboys broke out and went on for over five minutes.
Substitutes poured out of the dugout to get involved and coaches were forced to calm everyone down.
Porto midfielder Otavio appeared to tell Sporting defender Matheus Reis to 'come inside' and continue their feud.
Reis was one player who seemed to be targeted by the ballboys in the melee, being shoved with force.
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When all was said and done, the four players sent off were Pepe, Agustin Marchesin, Palhinha and Bruno Tabata.
Porto remain six points ahead of Sporting in the league table and are still unbeaten in league action this campaign.
Veteran defender Pepe is known for his short temper and he's been given seven yellow cards in Liga Bwin so far.
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Last night was his first red of the season and it's fair to say the referee got it spot on.
Fans have reacted to the incident and they weren't shocked it was the 38-year-old at the heart of it all.
One commented: "This is what I mean when I say our rivalries are different to the rivalries you see in the Prem."
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Another added: "Pepe looked ready to kill someone lol."
While a third said: "Pepe is 38 but not calmed down, love to see it."
Pepe tried to fight the entire Atletico Madrid team back in December so if you thought he was ready to calm it down in the twilight of his career, think again.
Porto face Lazio in the Europa League on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Sporting face Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash on Tuesday evening.
Topics: Sporting CP, FC Porto, Pepe, Portugal