Walker tried to rescue opponent Dele Alli from red card | OneFootball

Milan defender Kyle Walker tried to talk the referee out of giving opponent Dele Alli a red card for Como, but the decision was inevitable after a dangerous tackle on Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

This was the first time Alli had set foot on a professional football pitch in over two years, since his loan spell at Besiktas against Antalyaspor on February 26, 2023.

It lasted only 10 minutes, because Alli was first booked for going through the back of Loftus-Cheek, then the decision was changed to a red card following the VAR On-Field Review.

Walker could not prevent Dele Alli dismissal

Dele Alli Ruben Loftus Cheek Milan Como red card

Seeing what was happening and fearing the effect it might have on his former Tottenham Hotspur teammate after such a difficult time, Milan defender Walker visibly tried to stop referee Marchetti from pulling out the red card, even though the decision would benefit his side.

It was ultimately too horrible a tackle to be allowed to slide and the dismissal became inevitable.

Como coach Cesc Fabregas confirmed as much, noting he was very disappointed with the behaviour of his player.

“It is a grave mistake, one that we should not see from a player of his experience,” Fabregas told DAZN.

“It was a clear red card, there’s nothing to be said about that, he left the team down to 10 men during a crucial moment when we were pushing for 2-2.