Ethan Ampadu became the first player at Euro 2020 – and the youngest in the European Championship history – to receive a straight red card when he was sent off for his challenge on Italy’s Federico Bernardeschi.
The Wales defender’s late challenge resulted in a stamp on the Juventus forward’s ankle, with a video assistant referee (VAR) check confirming on-field referee Ovidiu Hategan’s decision to send him off.
Robert Page’s side were already trailing 1-0, Matteo Pessina having opened the scoring in the 39th minute latching onto a free-kick.
An uphill struggle was made even more arduous by Ampadu’s dismissal and while it looked harsh, former Premier League referee Peter Walton explained on ITV that Uefa’s pre-match briefing will have told the match officials “that this type of foul would be sanctioned with a red card”.
Heartbreak for Ethan Ampadu! :broken_heart:
In your eyes, was that a red card offence? :face_with_monocle:#ITAWAL | #ITVFootball | #Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/mehTv8vkhI
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 20, 2021
“You can clearly see that he’s late with his challenge,” Walton added. “He comes down forcefully on his ankle.”
Uefa’s guidelines before the tournament stated that referees would be told to take “strong action” against offences which included “reckless challenges and serious foul play”.
Ampadu was making his first start at the European Championship as part of a back three alongside Joe Rodon and Chris Gunter, but he will now be suspended for the last 16.
Ben Davies, who had initially been rested to avoid a ban, was introduced in the 86th minute.
Wales have progressed despite the defeat, coming second in Group A courtesy of a better goal difference than Switzerland.
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- How Ronaldo’s Coca-Cola stunt could change the face of football sponsorship
- In praise of Emma Hayes, the best pundit at Euro 2020 so far
- Eriksen collapse has thrown a spotlight on football’s relentless thirst for more
- How to watch every Euro 2020 match on TV and online in the UK
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3iSjHKg
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