FORMER Arsenal star Jeff Reine-Adelaide who was once picked out for “special” praise by Arsene Wenger was sent off after just three minutes for a horror challenge.
The midfielder now plays for RWD Molenbeek in the Belgian Pro League.
Jeff Reine-Adelaide was sent off for a reckless lunge
The midfielder left Arsenal in 2019 for around £20millionGetty – Contributor
But against Mechelen he lasted just three minutes after landing a shocking tackle on opponent Lion Lauberbach.
Reine-Adelaide took a heavy touch and tried to reclaim the ball by lunging in.
But he was out of control and his reckless challenge caught Lauberbach high on his shin, causing his ankle to twist.
Referee Brent Staessens somehow brandished a yellow card initially but was advised to review the incident on the VAR monitor.
After watching a replay the ref upgraded his punishment to a red, meaning Reine-Adelaide spent just two minutes and 19 seconds on the pitch.
Molenbeek did not let the 26-year-old’s dismissal affect them as they held out for 72 minutes before conceding.
They then equalised through Pathe Mboup in the 86th minute before being dealt a very late blow in stoppage time.
Mechelen regained the lead in the sixth minute of added time through Rob Schoofs, before Patrick Pflucke notched his second of the game to give them a 3-1 win.
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Reine-Adelaide arrived at RWDM in the summer on a free transfer from Lyon.
He spent four years at the Ligue Un club after joining from Arsenal for around £20million.
Former boss Arsene Wenger was a big fan of Reine-Adelaide, describing him as a “special” player.
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