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Football

19th Oct 2021

Griezmann shown straight red card for catching Roberto Firmino with high boot

Callum Boyle

It didn’t look like there was any intent, but a red is a red

Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann was shown a straight red card for a high-foot challenge on Roberto Firmino during Tuesday’s Champions League game against Liverpool.

The Frenchman had been an influential figure in the game, scoring both goals for Atletico as they came from two goals down to level before the break.

With the game evenly poised and either side looking capable to go on and get the win, Griezmann tried to bring a ball down from the air, unaware of Firmino approaching to challenge for the same ball.

When lifting his foot, he caught the head of the Brazilian Firmino.

Despite protesting his innocence, and in fairness there was no malice in the challenge, there was no option but for Griezmann to be sent off for serious foul play.

To no surprise the home crowd, players and manager Diego Simeone were left frustrated and confused by the decision as Atleti were reduced to 10-men.

Once he had accepted his fate, Griezmann walked off the pitch to a standing ovation from the Atletico fans.

At the time of writing the score still remains 2-2 with Atletico still looking to create opportunities whilst also claiming James Milner should have been given a red card for an elbow on Kieran Trippier but was only given a yellow.

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