The situation quickly spiraled out of control as players from both teams rushed to the scene with their voices raised and tempers flaring.
Martens, AZ Alkmaar's captain, was the first to reach the referee, his arms spread wide as he pointed furiously toward Diarra.
"You have to send him off for that! That's a straight red!" Martens demanded, his voice cutting through the chaos.
Behind him, Alvarado and Viergever joined in, their faces set in anger as they crowded around the official.
[AZ Alkmaar players aren't holding back here,] the lead commentator noted. [And frankly, I don't blame them. That was a brutal tackle]
On the other side, Samuel Eto'o led Anzhi Makhachkala's response, ushering his teammates toward the referee.
His calm demeanor belied the intensity in his eyes as he raised his hands to diffuse the tension.