Dele Alli suffered a nightmare return to professional football after two years away, receiving a red card just 10 minutes after coming on as Como fell to a 2-1 defeat against AC Milan on Saturday. Como manager called on Alli from his bench as the visitors chased a deserved point at the San Siro, withdrawing Lucas Da Cunha.
However, the 28-year-old clipped the back of Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s heel with a laboured challenge as the former Chelsea midfielder glided away from him. Referee Matteo Marchetti initially dealt Alli a yellow card before the VAR recommended an on-field review, prompting the Italian to change his mind and brandish a red. As the Englishman headed for an early shower, ex-Tottenham Hotspur team-mate Kyle Walker, who joined Milan from Manchester City in January, pleaded with Marchetti to show some remorse.
Como took the lead through Da Cunha in the 33rd minute before the Frenchman saw a second goal after the break disallowed by VAR.
Milan then turned the Serie A clash on its head through Christian Pulisic and Tijani Reinders, but Como remained on the hunt for a point.
Rossoneri boss Sergio Conceicao introduced Loftus-Cheek in the place of Rafael Leao minutes before Alli’s arrival.
Fabregas was also shown a red card during the fiery affair, which left Como without a win in three matches.
The former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfield maestro brought Alli to the Italian club on an 18-month contract in January.
Alli hadn’t played competitively since a loan spell at Besiktas from Everton in the 2022/23 season, which was cut short after he picked up a hip injury against Antalyaspor in February 2023.
The England international then suffered a groin injury, ruling him out of the entirety of last season before becoming a free agent last summer.
He continued to train with Everton and earned a contract until 2026, with the option of a further year, at Como following a successful trial.
Alli, once one of England’s most exciting midfield talents, spoke out about his issues with injury, addiction and mental health in an emotional, honest interview with Gary Neville in the summer of 2023.
He revealed that he had been sexually abused as a child, leaving Neville in shocked tears, and opened up on his experience in rehabilitation to beat a sleeping pill addiction.
In April 2024, Alli appeared as a guest pundit on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football and insisted he was starting to “see the light”, having been left “overwhelmed” with the response to his interview.
Fabregas will be confident he can bounce back from his early setback. Upon recruiting Alli, the Spanish coach said: “The club believes in Dele’s potential and is committed to helping him rediscover his best form.
“His experience and leadership qualities will undoubtedly benefit the squad.”
