Kyle Walker tried to convince the referee to not hand Dele Alli a red card on his Como debut against AC Milan on Saturday.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• Walker tried to stop referee from handing Dele red card
• Ex-Spurs midfielder sent off on Como debut
• AC Milan won 2-1

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Dele's debut in Italy turned out to be a nightmare as he was sent off in the 91st minute for a terrible challenge on Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The midfielder caught his fellow Englishman on the back of his leg with a dangerous challenge which initially earned him a yellow card, but after a VAR check, the referee showed him red instead.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Dele ultimately lasted only 10 minutes on the pitch at a time when Como were pushing for a late equaliser. Lucas Da Cunha had put Como in front in the 33rd minute but Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders' second-half strikes brought the Rossoneri back in the game. While the VAR check was on, AC Milan full-back Walker was seen trying to stop the match official from showing his ex-England and Tottenham colleague the red card, only for his plea to be ignored.

• WHAT CESC FABREGAS SAID

  While Walker tried to protect Dele, Como boss Cesc Fabregas was left furious with the irresponsible tackle as he told : "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."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WALKER & DELE?

  Milan will be back in action after the international break on March 30 as they take on Napoli away from home, while Dele will be suspended for Como's home match against Empoli a day prior.