Jason McAteer was sent off during Sunday’s Star Sixes event in Glasgow for kicking old Liverpool team-mate Michael Owen.
The former Anfield stars were involved in an off-the ball clash which also saw Owen kick out at the former Republic of Ireland international.
McAteer was sent off by the referee, with Owen receiving just a yellow card.
England won the game 1-0 thanks to a goal from former West Ham United and Fulham star Paul Konchesky, meaning they will play in the final later on Sunday night.
But the main talking point of the game came with the scores level as the so-called friendly match descended into a scrap.
McAteer pulled back Owen after releasing a pass into former Leeds United man Ian Harte. Taking umbrage with this, the England striker deliberately tripped the midfielder which caused the melee.
As bewildered teammates rushed in to stop the altercation, McAteer launched a kick at the 2001 Ballon d’Or winner.
Venting his frustrations to Sky Sports after the game, the Irishman said: “Well he got it wrong didn’t he, the referee.
“We come [sic] together, we had a little pull of the shirt, I was kind of spun round and then Michael Owen decided to lash out and then I didn’t think I wanted to let him get away with it.
“Referee obviously didn’t see – or he didn’t want to see it probably – because it was England and Michael Owen, more to the point.
“We kind of made up a little bit and I gave him a friendly sort of push up the backside.”
Having seen the footage after the game, the 47-year-old gave his opinion as to why Owen did not also see red.
“How is that not a red card? How is that not a red card?” McAteer asked.
“I tell you why it’s not a red card, because it’s Michael Owen and it’s England and because the officials are that bad.”
