Al Ain and Bani Yas were both reduced to 10 men late on as an ugly spat between Carlos Munoz and Fares Juma marred the Boss’ 2-1 win yesterday.

The two players clashed in injury time after Al Ain had recovered from Mohammed Fawzi’s early goal to secure victory through strikes from two unlikely sources – Juma and full-back Hazza Salem.

With the visitors searching for an equaliser Munoz collided with Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Essa before crashing into Juma.

The Al Ain captain appeared to leave his mark on the Chilean striker, who was eager to show referee Hamad Ali Yousef stud marks on his torso.

However, the official adjudged Munoz as committing the first offence and opted to dismiss both. Incensed, it took the striker several minutes to leave the pitch as he pleaded his innocence.

The victory was the Garden City club’s first in the league at their brand new Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and took them above Al Dhafra and into seventh.

The Boss are now only three points off a place in the top four as they look to end what has been a difficult season on a high.

Bani Yas, meanwhile, remain ninth as a season that once promised much continues to peter out.

Al Samawi should finish no lower though as they have an eight-pointcushion on Ajman in 10th.

Earlier, Sharjah regained their place in the top four despite being held to a 0-0 draw at home by Emirates.

The King have run out of steam somewhat in recent weeks and are now without a win in their last four Arabian Gulf League games.

Sharjah, who lost Salem Khamis to injury in the first half, last secured a league victory on Valentine’s Day, February 14, against Dubai.

Emirates are now four points clear of danger, in 12th, ahead of the visit of Al Jazira on Thursday.