Belgian side Waasland-Beveren say defender David Addy decided to head-butt KV Mechelen’s Joachim Van Damme after the victim racially abused him.

The club have confirmed that the left-back was provoked and reacted irrationally after he was called “F*cking n*gger” by Van Damme.

The Mechelen player added salt to injury by using the ‘F’ and ‘N’ words just after felling Addy.

Referee Frederick Geldhof issued a straight red card after the incident took place just under his nose on 36 minutes.

Waasland-Beveren say they fully support Addy for his version of what happened and described him as someone who stands up for his word.

The club added that Addy is a friendly, cheerful player who has a positive influence in the dressing room.

Watch how it all happened