Joao Gomes endured a nightmare start to his Aston Villa career as he became the first player to receive a first-half red card on his Premier League debut for a club in more than 14 years.
The Brazil international – a summer signing from Wolves – was sent off in the 40th minute of Villa’s 4-0 hammering at Brighton for kicking out at Georginio Rutter.
Former QPR midfielder Samba Diakite was the last player to suffer a similar fate, having been dismissed for two bookable offences in a 1-0 loss to Fulham in February 2012.
It was a forgettable outing overall for Gomes. The 25-year-old conceded possession on the edge of his own 18-yard box before Jack Hinshelwood scored Brighton’s fourth goal with just 31 minutes played.
Read more
-
European manager sends ominous message to SPFL side ahead of second leg
-
UEFA chief rules out FIFA presidency bid, calls on Gianni Infantino to resign
-
Proud SPFL boss vows to savour 'enormous' derby victory amid solid league start
It was a bow which rekindled memories of Jonathan Woodgate’s first appearance for Real Madrid in September 2005. The defender headed spectacularly into his own net in the 25th minute of a match against Athletic Bilbao before he was sent off for a second yellow card midway through the second half.
At least he, though, had the consolation of knowing his side won the game.
Gomes was offered words of comfort by manager Unai Emery as he exited the pitch, but will now miss games against champions Arsenal, newly promoted Hull and Nottingham Forest due to a three-match ban.
