US football team the Pittsburgh Riverhounds have terminated the contract of Romeo Parkes after the Jamaican international launched a cowardly and violent assault on an opponent in a match against New York Red Bulls II.

In the third tier league match, Parkes is seen coming up behind New York player Karl Ouimette and, unseen, leaping studs first to land a kick to Ouimette’s back.

The pair, who had a running battle in the match, had both just been sent off.

Parkes’ vicious studs up kick to the back. Source: Supplied

Parkes had to be physically restrained by team-mates after the altercation saw a mass confrontation between players form both sides — Ouimette meanwhile left the field on a stretcher.

Tuffy Shallenberger, owner of the Riverhounds, announced the player’s sacking, citing ‘conduct detrimental to the team and the United Soccer League’.

“I want to apologise to the fans and the Red Bulls II organisation, as well as Karl Ouimette, for what transpired at the game last night,” Shallenberger stated.

“Romeo’s actions are not representative of what our organisation and its Academy stands for in regards to helping promote and grow this sport in not only the Greater Allegheny area, but also nationwide.

“We understand the severity of this situation and made it a point to respond as quickly as possible within our power.”

Head coach Mark Steffens also went on record to support Parkes’ sacking.

“As I stated last night, this is an unfortunate situation and one that was embarrassing for not only myself, but also the staff and the organisation.” Steffens said.

“The discipline being handed out is one that we, as a staff, consider to be fair and completely justified. The actions were not representative of what this team stands for as a whole.”

Romeo for his part took to social media to try and apologise for his actions — but it was too little too late to save his job.

To the fans, my teams, the city of PGH, NY Red Bulls 2 and the USL, I recognized that my action was wrong and inappropriate. — Romeo Parkes (@ovando678) May 8, 2016

and I sincerely apologize and regret my actions. Despite the continous altercation throughout the game my further action after I was carded — Romeo Parkes (@ovando678) May 8, 2016