Four players were sent off as Colombia held Chile to a goalless draw in an unsavoury, foul-ridden World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

The red cards outnumbered the scoring chances in an often vicious match which was also marred by constant play-acting and bickering.

The result left Chile with 12 points from eight games in the 10-team South American World Cup qualifying group while Colombia, who have slowly recovered from a dismal start, have eight.

The game quickly acquired a nasty edge and the sending-off festival began when Colombia midfielder John Viafara was given a straight red for clattering into Claudio Maldonado after the ball had gone.

Maldonado went down in apparent agony, was carried off, made a quick recovery but, as he was about to re-enter the pitch three minutes later, was mysteriously shown the red card himself by Brazilian referee Wilson de Souza Mendonca.

In the 71st minute, Chile fullback Rodrigo Perez -- who had spent most of the game complaining after being booked in the first half -- and Colombia substitute Jairo Patino were given their marching orders for an off-the-ball clash.

Chile managed their only scoring chance in the entire game just before halftime when Perez crossed from the right, Reinaldo Navia headed the ball towards goal and goalkeeper Miguel Calero brilliantly tipped the ball away.

They also had a penalty claim turned down when Luis Amaranto Perea clattered into Mauricio Pinilla.

Chile goalkeeper Nelson Tapia did not have to make a serious save during the game although Leider Preciado hit the post in the 48th minute after Giovanny Hernandez weaved a clever pass through the Chile defence.

Chile brought on striker Marcelo Salas at halftime for only his second international in three years, but not even his presence could bring their attack to life.

Chile coach Juvenal Olmos did not help his cause when he substituted midfield playmaker David Pizarro on the hour.

The Italian-based player, one of the few bright spots of the game, kicked an advertising board in disgust before storming straight to the dressing-room.

The teams were jeered off the pitch by the 63,000 crowd.