Dele Alli’s long-awaited return to professional football ended in traumatic way on Saturday night, as he was sent off just nine minutes after making his debut for Como in their 2-1 defeat to AC Milan.
It had been 748 days since Alli last played a competitive match, but his first appearance for the Serie B club took a nightmarish turn when he was dismissed for a reckless challenge on Ruben Loftus-Cheek during stoppage time.
Initially shown a yellow card, the decision was upgraded to a straight red after a VAR review, leaving Alli stunned and his team down to 10 men in the dying moments of the game.
A Chaotic Return to Action
The 28-year-old midfielder, who signed an 18-month contract with Como in January, was introduced late in the match as Como chased an equalizer against Milan.
However, his enthusiasm to make an impact backfired when he lunged into a tackle on Loftus-Cheek.
His former Tottenham Hotspur teammate Kyle Walker, now playing for Milan, was seen pleading with the referee alongside Como’s players in an attempt to prevent the red card, but the official stood by his decision after reviewing the footage.
Adding to Como’s frustrations, head coach Cesc Fabregas was also sent off moments later for his protests against the referee’s decision.
Speaking after the game, Fabregas admitted there were no excuses for Alli’s dismissal.
“Dele Alli is a goal scorer, I tried to give him an opportunity,” Fabregas told DAZN.
“A serious mistake by an experienced player. Clear red, he left the team at a time when it could have made it 2-2.”
The decision proved costly as Como’s hopes of snatching a late draw vanished, leaving them to reflect on a painful defeat at the San Siro.
From World Cup Hero to Career Struggles
Alli was once regarded as one of England’s most promising talents, playing a key role in England’s run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and starring in Tottenham’s journey to the 2019 Champions League final under Mauricio Pochettino.
However, his career took a sharp downward turn in recent years.
Following a difficult spell at Everton, where he failed to make a single appearance last season, Alli spent time on loan at Besiktas in Turkey, but injuries and form issues limited his impact.
Off the pitch, he bravely opened up about his battles with mental health and addiction, revealing in 2023 that he had spent six weeks in rehab in the United States to deal with childhood trauma and an addiction to sleeping pills.
After his contract with Everton expired in June 2024, many feared his playing career was over, but Como offered him a fresh start in Italy, with Fabregas giving him an opportunity to rediscover his passion for football.
What Next for Alli?
Despite the nightmare debut, Alli’s red card does not necessarily spell the end of his comeback.
Como’s faith in him was evident when they offered him an 18-month contract with an option for an additional year, and Fabregas may be keen to help him bounce back.
However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fine margins in football, especially for a player attempting to rebuild his career.
With Como pushing for Serie A promotion, Alli will now have to wait for his next opportunity to prove he still belongs at the highest level.
But after 748 days away from the pitch, this was not the return he—or his new club—had hoped for.
