02 February 2021

A Saint among the sinners: The Premier League players who were quick to see red

02 February 2021

Southampton’s Alexandre Jankewitz had a debut to forget after he was sent off just 82 seconds into their clash at Manchester United.

The teenage midfielder is one of only four players to be sent off in the opening two minutes of a Premier League game:

Here, the PA news agency looks at the not-so-fab four.

Gareth McAuley (West Brom v Manchester City, Mar 2015)

McAuley saw red after just 63 seconds into a 3-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium for a foul on Wilfried Bony. In what was the quickest case of mistaken identity, the red card was later transferred to his Albion team-mate Craig Dawson.

Tim Flowers (Blackburn v Leeds, Feb 1995)

SOCCER Blackburn v Arsenal (PA Archive)

Former England goalkeeper Flowers was part of Kenny Dalglish’s title-chasing Rovers side when he was dismissed at Ewood Park. Flowers was penalised for s trip on forward Brian Deane and sent off after just 72 seconds.Blackburn went on to draw the match 1-1.

Ben Thatcher (Wimbledon v West Ham, Dec 1997)

BEN THATCHER OF WIMBLEDON FOOTBALL CLUB (PA Archive)

Only a minute and a half had been played when full-back Thatcher, who had quite the reputation as a hot head, saw red after appearing to elbow Paul Kitson after the West Ham forward had been penalised for offside. The Hammers beat the 10 men 2-1.

Alexandre Jankewitz (Manchester United v Southampton, Feb 2021)

Young Saint turned immediate sinner when Jankewitz caught Scott McTominay with a high challenge on top of the Scotland international’s thigh. Referee Mike Dean had no hesitation in brandishing the red card and bringing the Swiss midfielder’s debut to a premature end after 82 seconds.

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