Scottish star Danny Armstrong was branded a 'begging monkey' by controversial Steaua Bucharest owner Gigi Becali.
The former Kilmarnock winger was named Player of the Month in Romania after an excellent start to the season with Dinamo Bucharest.
He created two assists for his club as they defeated hated rivals Steaua Bucharest in a heated encounter which saw a player from each side sent off.
But 68-year-old Becali - who was once a prominent Romanian politician before he was convicted of corruption 13 years ago and has been heavily criticised for making alleged racist, sexist and homophobic remarks in the past - was enraged at the part Armstrong played in the sending off of Steaua player Andre Duarte's red card.
He said: "The Dinamo player Armstrong turned into a begging monkey.
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"He ran to the ref and begged for a red card for our player...'please sir, he hit our player.'
"Armstrong is a good footballer, but a monkey. Get on with it and just play football man.
"The referee, Istvan Kovacs, is a scoundrel.
"He sees things in his head that didn't happen.
"I know a neurologist. I'll take him myself and he can get checked out, see what is wrong with his head and then he can leave refereeing for good.
"He's been destroying us for years and years. He has either a grudge against my club or me personally. Honestly, get him out of refereeing."
Armstrong, 28, insisted after getting his award he was playing some of the best football of his career.
He said: "I am happy with the start I have made to the season and we need to continue this. I think I am more content with my game than I have ever been."
