Ruben Loftus-Cheek has shared sympathy with Dele Alli after the midfielder endured a nightmare return to action.
The former Tottenham star, who had been without a club since his contract with Everton expired last summer, sealed a move Cesc Fabregas’ Como side during the January transfer window.
Signing an 18-month contract with the Serie A newcomers, it has been described as Dele's chance to revive his career in Italy.
Fitness issues delayed the 28-year-old’s debut, but he finally made his first appearance in Como colours at the weekend in their league clash away at AC Milan.
However, it did not go to plan as the midfielder was sent-off within 10 minutes of coming on as a second half substitute.
Dele had initially been shown a yellow card for his stoppage-time foul on Loftus-Cheek, but after a controversial VAR check, it was upgraded to a red card which means he is facing a spell on the sidelines after the international break because of suspension.
Upon reflecting on the incident, Dele took to Instagram and shared a text exchange with Loftus-Cheek: “Pic looks bad tho, I just tried to clip ur heel,” he wrote. “When the ref went to var I didn't even know it was for me.”
To which a sympathetic Loftus-Cheek responded: “Bro I had no clue. I stayed down coz I was blowing.”
Having said that, Como boss Cesc Fabregas was far less sympathetic.
"Dele Alli is a player who can score goals," the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder told DAZN after the game. "He perhaps didn't deserve this opportunity because he has only been working with us for two weeks and has a lot to improve.
"It is a grave mistake, one that we should not see from a player of his experience.
"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.
"That is the most negative thing about this evening, but we keep going."
