Dele Alli, what are you doing?! Como man sent off less than 10 minutes into debut for foul on Ruben Loftus-Cheek in nightmare return after two-year absence - as coach Cesc Fabregas also sees red in loss to AC Milan

The former Tottenham and Everton midfielder stepped onto the pitch in the 81st minute with his side trailing 2-1, only to find himself sent off moments later following a reckless challenge on Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Dele initially received a yellow card for the challenge, but the referee was instructed to review the incident on the VAR monitor. Upon closer examination, the decision was upgraded to a straight red, as replays showed his studs making dangerous contact with the back of Loftus-Cheek’s ankle.

Dele's return to professional football had been highly anticipated. His last official match took place on February 26, 2023, while on loan at Besiktas, in a goalless draw against Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig. Unfortunately, his comeback match turned into a frustrating experience, made worse by the fact that Como’s head coach was also dismissed moments later for dissent.

Despite facing a European giant in AC Milan, Como managed to shock the home crowd by opening the scoring. Their breakthrough came from Lucas Da Cunha, who weaved through a static Milan defence before placing a well-placed shot into the bottom corner, beating goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

However, Milan regrouped after halftime and quickly turned the match around. Tijjani Reijnders played a perfectly weighted ball into the box, which Christian Pulisic controlled expertly before finishing from a tight angle, levelling the score. The comeback was sealed when Reijnders found himself one-on-one with Como’s goalkeeper, Jean Butez, and calmly slotted the ball into the net, securing Milan’s 2-1 victory.

For Dele, the early dismissal adds another setback to his ongoing efforts to revive his football career, while Fabregas will be frustrated at losing his composure on the touchline. Now, the duo will be forced to watch from the stands when Como return to action on March 29 against Empoli following the international break.