The U’s – who had their first game of the season postponed due to a waterlogged pitch – travelled to Wales on Tuesday night for their Carabao Cup first-round tie.
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Ben Garner’s troops fell 2-0 down inside 35 minutes but got themselves back on level terms nine minutes later through goals from John Akinde and new boy Joe Taylor.
The League Two side looked in good shape going into extra time, that was until Tovide got sent off for a horrendous head-high challenge on Jamilu Collins.
The 19-year-old nearly took Collins’ head off his shoulders with his left boot as he recklessly leapt in the air to try and get on the end of a long ball.
The referee didn’t hesitate to give Tovide his marching orders, issuing him a straight red card.
Footie fans couldn’t believe their eyes, with one tweeting: “WTF? that’s attempted murder.”
Another one said: “Nearly decapitated the man. WTF?”
And another said: “That’s the worst challenge I’ve ever seen.”
Another chimed in: “Thought Shawn Michaels retired years ago.”
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One viewer made another WWE comparison, saying: “Drew McIntyre would be proud.”
Colchester withstood the immense Cardiff pressure to take the game to penalties, but they lost the shootout as Jayden Fevrier, Junior Tchamadeu and Tom Hopper all missed their spot kicks.
Tovide, who recently inked a new contract at the JobServe Community Stadium, will miss the U’s upcoming matches against Bradford, AFC Wimbledon and MK Dons.
The teenager said of his new contract: “I’m absolutely delighted.
“It’s been a long time coming and I’ve worked hard for it myself and I just can’t wait to kick on really.”
“I feel like I’ve had a good pre-season, four goals in four games.
“Hopefully, now I can carry on, kick on and hopefully start on Saturday.”