Worst Premier League debut ever? Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna defends Harry Clarke from social media criticism after own goal, red card and conceding a penalty in Brentford loss

Former Arsenal youth player Clarke endured a nightmare debut in the Premier League as he was sent off in the 69th minute, having already conceded a penalty and accidentally scored an own goal as Ipswich suffered a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Brentford. Despite the player's multiple mistakes in the game, manager McKenna came to the 23-year-old's defence as he protected him from social media criticism.

Speaking to reporters at his post-match press conference, McKenna said, "It's his Premier League debut and he has not started a game since April. So, he will get plenty of support from us. He did some good things in the game, and there have been some good things In his performance, but there are a few things, of course, a few defensive moments, that you want to do better on and he'll be disappointed with.

"He is a young player, making his Premier League debut, coming back from a big injury and because of the injuries we have, we had to throw him straight into the team where ideally he'd have a longer period, maybe coming off the bench like all of our players and our culture. He'll take his mistake on the chin I am sure and look to learn from it and work hard on those things in training and come back again stronger."

Clarke has been an integral part of the Ipswich side under McKenna that secured back-to-back promotions to the top division. Unfortunately, he remained sidelined with an injury since April this year and had to wait until late October to finally make his debut in the English top flight. The Tractor Boys are yet to register a win in the Premier League in the 2024-25 campaign and are currently just a point above the relegation zone.

McKenna's men will aim to register their first win in the league next Saturday as they take on Leicester City in an important encounter at home.