Dele Alli endured a nightmare return to competitive football, receiving a red card just 10 minutes into his first match in over two years.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who signed an 18-month deal with Serie A side Como in January, made his debut off the bench against AC Milan at the San Siro.

However, his return was short-lived as he was initially booked for a late challenge on Ruben Loftus-Cheek before VAR intervened, prompting referee Matteo Marchetti to upgrade the decision to a red card.

The decision sparked protests from the Como bench, leading to head coach Cesc Fabregas also being sent off.

Even AC Milan’s Kyle Walker, a former teammate of Alli at Tottenham and England, pleaded with the referee to reconsider.

Alli, who last played in February 2023 for Besiktas in Turkey, has struggled for form in recent years after breaking through at Tottenham, where he earned 37 caps for England.