Franco Escobar responds after red card meltdown on Decision Day

They finally broke Franco Escobar.

As Atlanta United’s first losing season came to a disappointing close against the Columbus Crew at MAPFRE Stadium Sunday evening, the fiery Argentine defender with a penchant for bookings went out with a predictable bang.

Escobar, who’d been booked in the first half, was visibly frustrated late in the game before needlessly hacking down Darlington Nagbe in the 91st minute to get himself sent off. But it was Escobar’s actions after the red card that got most of the attention.

Fortunately, no real brawl broke out after Escobar, uhm, crowded a member of the Crew’s medical team. It wasn’t quite a push. There wasn’t any clash of heads. Escobar just.... invaded his personal space, forcing him off his feet.

And for that, Escobar issued a... well, what is this? ... we’ll call it a half-apology on Twitter Monday night.

Escobar acknowledged earlier this season that his temper is something he’s actively trying to control, knowing that his hot-headedness can affect his own teammates’ confidence. For most Atlanta United fans, the incident was maybe more expected than anything, considering the way the game and the season had gone.