The challenge that led to Cordeiro's injury was one of relatively few genuine challenges in what became an increasingly tempestuous match that Sun Hei eventually won 3-1, as referee Fung Ka-yu found himself shot at by both sides.

Fung awarded a penalty against Sun Hei, for a clumsy aerial challenge by Leung Chi-wing, converted in the 35th minute by Liu Guogen. Then in the second half he dismissed three Sunray players - Andrew Philips and Declan Chijiok in the 70th and 72nd minutes for fouls and Bi Donghai in the 87th for dissent - all for second yellow cards.

Sun Hei, who equalised after 50 minutes through a Wong Chun-yue header, took full advantage of their numerical superiority taking the lead through Poon Man-ti's 81st minute header and sealing the win through Julius Akosah in added time.

'Angry? I'm very angry! Because of the referee we lost,' raged Sunray coach Zhou Dayu. 'They were 50-50 challenges, but his decisions affected the whole match. He just came to each incident and looked at who was injured. The referees are not helping improve the standard of Hong Kong football.'

Despite his best intentions, Koo couldn't help add further criticism on the unfortunate official. 'It should not have been a penalty. When he blew the whistle I thought we had won a free-kick,' he said before showing little sympathy for the dismissed Sunray players. 'If you've got a yellow card and continue to commit the same silly offences you're going to get sent off.'

In the night's other match Kitchee, who fielded five teenagers in their starting lineup, were held to a 2-2 draw by Xiangxue.