New York Red Bulls midfielder Dru Yearwood was sent off after violently kicking a ball into a girl's face.
After being frustrated by giving away a foul Yearwood angrily smashed the ball into the stands striking a fan sitting in the third row. The incident left another child, who was possibly also struck, in the row in front in tears.
Yearwood immediately realized his mistake and rushed into the crowd in an attempt to apologize, only to be shunned away by a fan close to the girl who was hit with distraught Red Bulls fans showing their disgust at the player.
He was sent off in the 94th minute of stoppage time following the incident, receiving a second yellow card from the referee.
The Red Bulls and Yearwood both released statements apologizing to the fan and sending them well wishes.
The statement from the Major League Soccer team read: 'The safety of everyone that attends our events at Red Bull Arena is of the utmost importance to our organization.
'Dru is incredibly remorseful and knows his actions were inexcusable, We will take measures to discourage this from occurring again.
'We along with Dru will continue to stay in contact with families to check on their well-being.'
Yearwood's statement read: 'I want to apologize from the bottom of my heart to the fans who were hit by the ball I kicked at Saturday's match.
'My emotions got the best of me on this day, and I've let down the entire organization and every single New York Red Bulls fan.
'I hope the fans are OK and that they can forgive me.'
Philadelphia Union went on to win the game 2-0 in a contest that was decided well before Yearwood was sent off.
Yearwood will miss at least the Red Bulls next game against the New England Revolution.
Following the loss the Red Bulls sit third in the MLS Eastern Conference with 47 points.
Philadelphia on the other hand sit well in first place following the win with 60 points.
