Dele Alli had a long-awaited return to professional football ended in disaster this weekend. The former England and Tottenham star was sent off just 10 minutes after making his Como debut against AC Milan. This marked a heartbreaking moment in Dele Alli’s comeback after more than two years away from competitive action.

Why Dele Alli’s Red Card Has Football Fans Talking

Introduced in the 81st minute at the San Siro, Dele Alli barely had time to find his rhythm. He received his marching orders shortly after entering the pitch. What exactly went down? The midfielder caught Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek with a clumsy challenge. It initially earned him a yellow card. But after a pitch-side VAR review, referee Matteo Marchetti upgraded the punishment to a straight red.

The foul seemed more a result of rustiness than malice. This is understandable for someone who hasn’t played in 748 days. For sports betting enthusiasts, this outcome was certainly unexpected.

Como’s manager Cesc Fabregas called it a “serious mistake by an experienced player.” He also noted he “tried to give him an opportunity” despite only two weeks of training. Adding to the drama, Fabregas himself was sent off late in the match for dissent. This showed just how tense the situation became.

Dele Alli’s Career Journey: From Spurs Superstar to Struggling Midfielder

How did Dele Alli reach this point? Once considered among England’s brightest talents, his journey has been rocky in recent years. After leaving Tottenham in 2022, Dele Alli struggled at Everton. He made just one start in two and a half years.

A loan spell at Besiktas didn’t help much either. His last appearance came back in February 2023. His challenges weren’t limited to on-field performance. Dele Alli courageously opened up about his mental health struggles and addiction to sleeping pills in a 2023 interview. He revealed a six-week rehab stay.

Many betting guide resources highlight how difficult returns can be in top-level football. Dele Alli’s Everton contract expired in summer 2024. This left him without a club until Como offered an 18-month lifeline this January.

What’s Next for Dele Alli After Como Debut Disaster?

Now facing a suspension, Dele Alli must wait even longer to prove himself. This setback raises serious questions about his future prospects. At 28, he should be in his prime. Instead, he faces another uphill battle in his career revival.

Como, currently 10th in Serie A, has emphasized creating a supportive environment for Dele Alli. The club has stated no immediate performance expectations. Their patience will be crucial as he works to regain both fitness and confidence.

Can Dele Alli Bounce Back from Red Card Setback?

Despite this unfortunate debut, there’s still hope for Dele Alli’s redemption. Many players have overcome similar challenges before staging remarkable comebacks. The real test for Dele Alli will be mental rather than physical. He needs to find the resolve to push through yet another setback.

The question now is whether Dele Alli has the strength to rebuild his career. For Como fans and neutrals alike, his journey will be fascinating to watch. Will Dele Alli prove the doubters wrong? Or will he fade further from the spotlight? Only time will tell if this red card is just another chapter in his story.