Liverpool boss Arne Slot gave some advice to Amara Nallo after his red card (Image: Getty)
head coach described Amara Nallo’s red card as “cruel”, after the youngster was dismissed on his debut during the 3-2 defeat to
The 18-year-old was handed his first European appearance after coming off the bench to replace Jayden Danns in the 83rd minute.
But a moment to remember quickly turned into a for hauling down Johan Bakayoko just four minutes after coming on.
Goalkeeper Walter Benitez sent a long ball forward over the top of ‘s high line and Nallo was caught napping as Bakayoko sprinted in front of him, before he was caught by the defender.
Referee Tobias Stieler wasted no time in brandishing the red card, giving the centre-back a harsh lesson on his European bow.
Slot did not attempt to argue with the decision and sympathised with the talented centre-back, before challenging him to use the experience to improve in the future.
“It is cruel but he has never played first team football before and to make your debut in the Champions League is probably the hardest,” Slot told TNT Sports.
“He misinterpreted the situation and it’s a big moment to learn from. It is cruel when you think I’m making my Champions League debut but you go off a few minutes later.
Liverpool debutant Amara Nallo saw red just four minutes after coming on (Image: Getty)
Liverpool are down to 10-men as 18-year-old Nallo is shown a straight red! &
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“A career isn’t always positive, it also has negatives and he has to make sure he plays in this competition again.”
Nallo arrived at Anfield from West Ham in 2023 and his quick progress has been noted after impressing for their Under-21s side in the 2.
He had been knocking on the door for his debut for some time, having been included in the senior squad for a number of matches in the 2023-24 campaign under .
But his debut didn’t go to plan, as Nallo became the youngest-ever player to be dismissed in a game. At the age of 18 years and 72 days, he overtook Michael Owen’s record when he was given an early bath against aged 18 years and 117 days in 1998.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot described Nallo’s sending off as ‘cruel’ (Image: Getty)
Despite losing their 100 per cent record in the competition, it mattered little in the end as qualified for the last-16 at the top of the 36-team league.
The Reds left virtually a full squad back home on Merseyside safe in the knowledge that progression had already been secured prior to their trip to the Phillips Stadion.
Cody Gakpo’s penalty put them ahead before Bakayoko brought PSV level. Harvey Elliott restored their advantage on 40 minutes but Ismael Sabarri levelled against on the stroke of half time.
Slot’s men fell behind when Ricardo Pepi scored in first-half stoppage time and with Nallo’s sending off leaving them down to 10 men late on, they tasted defeat for only the third time under the Dutchman.