Forgotten former Premier League star sent off for PUNCHING rival in face as fans say it ‘should be reported to police’

FORMER Blackburn defender Martin Olsson was sent off after shockingly PUNCHING an opposition player in the face with a violent left hook.

The ex-Norwich and Swansea left-back, 35, stormed into the middle of a brawl in a cup match in Sweden.

Former Blackburn man Martin Olsson was sent off for a shocking punchGetty Images - Getty

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The violent act occurred amid a melee between Malmo and Varbergs BoIS players[/caption]

Varbergs BoIS forward Yusuf Abdulazeez was dismissed for headbutting one of Olsson’s Malmo team-mates.

The incident, which occurred in the 87th minute of a 1-1 draw, led to a host of players from both sides furiously squaring up to each other as tempers boiled over.

And this ended with a horrific moment as Olsson left one of the Varbergs players in a heap on the floor with a sickening punch.

Despite the chaotic situation proving difficult for the referee to handle, he did instantly spot the Swede’s violent act and sent him packing by showing another red card.

Reacting to Olsson’s astonishing act, one person said: “That’s crazy.”

Another added: “Literal assault. Should be reported to the police.”

A third replied: “That’s gotta be a solid suspension, feels like 4-5 games might be in order.”

While a fourth responded: “First I thought you’re calling that little headbutt a boxing KO… but then out of nowhere, a full blown left hook!”

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Olsson played 197 games in the Premier League across spells with Blackburn, Norwich and Swansea, scoring five goals and assisting 13.

He also helped Norwich return to the top flight when they beat Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final in 2015.

After three seasons with Swansea, he returned to his home country in 2020, signing for Helsingborg.

He joined Hacken in 2021, before agreeing a deal with Malmo later in the year – where he has gone on to win two league titles and the Svenksa Cupen – Sweden’s biggest cup competition.

He has also racked up 56 international caps, the last of which came in June of last year.