Ref struck by Luisao

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12 August 2012-PA Sport

Down and out... Referee Christian Fischer on the deck after being struck by Luisao (Getty)

Fortuna Dusseldorf's pre-season friendly against Benfica was abandoned after 43 minutes when referee Christian Fischer was knocked to the ground by Benfica captain Luisao.

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The incident happened as Fischer was preparing to show a second yellow card to Luisao's team-mate Javi Garcia.

Luisao approached the referee in a menacing manner and sent him falling backwards, where he lay for several seconds apparently unconscious before coming back to his senses after players and assistant referee called for a doctor.

Fischer got back to his feet and decided to abandon the game.

Fortuna returned to play a further 45 minutes without its Portuguese opponent, splitting its squad into two sides of 11 men to ensure the fans at the Dusseldorf Arena were given some value for their money.