Dele Alli was called out by his Como manager Cesc Fabregas after being sent off on Saturday (Image: GETTY)
Dele Alli has been slammed by Como boss Cesc Fabregas after being . The 28-year-old, who hadn’t played in a professional match for two years before this weekend, came off the bench for the final 10 minutes of Como’s clash with on Saturday but was given his marching orders after catching Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s heel with a high challenge.
Alli started training full-time with Como in December after leaving Everton at the end of last season following an underwhelming two-and-a-half year spell at Goodison Park. He was handed an 18-month contract with Como in January as he worked towards regaining his match sharpness and was named on the bench for the third consecutive match on Saturday before taking to the pitch. But he will now serve a ban following his mistimed challenge.
Fabregas, who featured in 350 Premier League matches for and during his playing days, was asked about Alli’s sending off by DAZN after Como had lost the match 2-1.
And the 37-year-old explained: “It was at that moment when Milan went 2-1 up and Sergi Roberto was meant to come on, but I’d prefer to give him another two weeks to train so he can be ready to start against Empoli.
“Dele Alli is a player who can score goals, he perhaps didn’t deserve this opportunity because he has only been working with us for two weeks and has a lot to improve.
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Dele Alli was sent off for Como against AC Milan on Saturday evening (Image: GETTY)
“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.”
The result left Como seven points above the relegation zone, with 29 points from 29 games. The team have won seven of their league matches this season and have also claimed eight draws.
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And Fabregas added: “We were in front of 70,000 people at San Siro and played an incredible game. I’ve won a lot in my career, you can call me a loser today, but let me lose like this. I enjoy it, because seeing so many young players who come here and play this kind of football.
“It’s difficult to explain, as it has happened so many times this season, so perhaps people might say my mentality is a losing one, but working so hard all week and seeing the lads play like this, it’s a pleasure anyway.
“There are some areas where we must improve, it’s a process, but I saw a great performance.”