Raheem Sterling and Antonio Valencia see red as Liverpool and Man United stars tussle during England's draw with Ecuador

Wild thing: A livid Antonio Valencia grabs Raheem Sterling around the throat directly in front of the assistant referee

Holding on: Valencia's grip on Sterling is unwavering as the furious Ecuador skipper continues to grapple with his opponent

Pushing the limits: Valencia continues to shove Sterling on the sidelines

Boiling point: Jack Wilshere (fourth right) is grabbed by the neck by Juan Carlos Paredes in the immediate aftermath

As tempers flared, American official Jair Marrufo gave both players their marching orders.

The red card rules the Liverpool winger out of England's final World Cup warm-up match against Honduras on Saturday.

Valencia, who suffered an horrific leg break four years ago after a challenge from Rangers' Kirk Broadfoot when playing for United in the Champions League, apologised to his team-mates and coach Reinaldo Rueda after the game.

'I am sorry for the fight with Sterling,' said Valencia. 'I apologised to the team after the match and the coach.'

Team-mate Segundo Castillo nearly missed out on Ecuador’s World Cup squad because of a knee injury he sustained against Mexico.

Valencia reacted so aggressively against Sterling because he feared the Liverpool winger could have ended his World Cup prospects.

'When he (Sterling) tackled me I thought about Segundo Castillo,' Valencia said. 'He nearly missed the World Cup because of injury and I feared I would too, but thankfully I am OK.'

Flying in: Sterling (right) went in hard on Valencia, sparking furious scenes in Miami as the two sides battles to a 2-2 draw

Making contact: Sterling gets the ball and the man with a reckless challenge

Going to ground: Valencia is knocked off his feet by the impact of Sterling's tackle

Marching orders: Sterling looks bemused as American official Jair Marrufo brandishes the dreaded red card

England boss Roy Hodgson spoke of his 'disappointment' after the duo were given their marching orders.

'I'm disappointed,' he said. 'I thought it was a fierce challenge from young Raheem, not a foul challenge. He played the ball and accelerated into the ball.

'I'm disappointed with Antonio's reaction, grabbing the player. Had he not jumped up there wouldn't have been a problem but, when he does that, the referee had to deal with that and sent Raheem off. I'm pleased Raheem didn't react to a lot of people milling around him.

'Jack had been on the receiving end a few minutes early from a very similar challenge from an Ecuadorian player and did not react.'

Trudging off: Both players leave the field after being dismissed by referee Jair Marrufo

Wise words: Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard speaks to team-mate Sterling after his sending off