Barcelona have player sent off against Monaco after referee shows him WRONG card

Barcelona star Eric Garcia was sent off against AS Monaco after a slight card confusion.

On Thursday night, the Catalan club began their Champions League campaign with an away tie against French side Monaco at the Stade Louis II.

With less than 10 minutes on the clock, Barcelona were reduced to 10 men after former Manchester City defender Eric Garcia fouled ex-Liverpool star Takumi Minamino.

Garcia was looking to receive the ball from goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen but was instantly closed down by Minamino, who managed to nick the ball away from the defender.

After that, Garcia appeared to drag the Japanese to the ground, resulting in his sending off.

Speaking on commentary, commentator Sam Matterface speculated that referee Allard Lindhout pulled out the wrong colour card. You can watch the footage below.

Barcelona go down to 10-men early as Eric Garcia is sent off after a little card confusion... 😳

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Matterface said: “I wonder if the referee has brought out the wrong colour card because there’s absolutely no intention to play the ball and ordinarily that would be a red card.

“We are being told on our information system it’s a yellow card but I think he’s (Garcia) walking here. That’s a direct red card and that’s the right decision. I think the referee brought out the wrong card.”

After the sending off, Monaco took the lead thanks to a goal by Maghnes Akliouche.

However, the French side's lead did not last long as Lamine Yamal scored the equaliser with 28 minutes on the clock.

The 17-year-old sensation received praise from Barcelona boss Hansi Flick after an impressive start to the campaign.

He said: “He's really incredible, a difference maker at such a young age.

“Having him is key for us not only because of his quality, but he also presses very well high. He combines talent and pressure and that's massive for us. He is outstanding.”