EX-MANCHESTER United star Nani was left in tears after being sent off in the MLS clash between Orlando City and Columbus Crew.
The 33-year-old was controversially dismissed after a tackle on midfielder Artur, with his team 1-0 up.
Nani is left devastated after being sent offCredit: Sky Sports
Nani was left in disbelief after getting a yellow – but he had no idea what was to followCredit: Sky Sports
Initially he received a yellow, but then the referee consulted VAR and the pitchside monitor – and all hell broke loose.
He upgraded’s Nani’s offence to a red, and his Orlando team-mates reacted furiously.
The devastated winger, who was sporting blue hair, clasped his hands together and sunk to the ground in disbelief.
Nani then sloped off the pitch in tears, attempting to use his kit to mop up.
The former Portuguese international believed he had won the ball cleanly – and was shocked to receive even the initial yellow card.
Many fans on social media appeared in agreement that the punishment was harsh.
One commented: “In what world is that a red card?! That’s embarrassing.”
Another tweeted that they didn’t know what was worse ‘the decision or him crying’.
Nani mops up the tears with his shirt as he slopes off the pitchCredit: Sky Sports
Nani’s teammates were livid after VAR’s unexpected interventionCredit: Sky Sports
It looked like Nani’s red card would begin a collapse for the hosts, with Harrison Afful scoring for Columbus four minutes later to cancel out Christopher Mueller’s earlier goal.
But the 10 men of Orlando managed to squeeze home with Benji Michel hitting the winner six minutes from time.
The American side are just the latest stop in Nani’s post-Man United career.
Nani could hardly believe VAR had helped to upgrade his tackle from a yellow to a redCredit: Sky Sports
Since leaving in 2015, he has had permanent spells at Fenerbahce, Valencia and his childhood club Sporting CP while also enjoying a loan spell at Lazio.
He spent eight years at United after arriving in 2007, terrifying defences with his pace and trickery.
In his time there he won five Premier Leagues and a Champions League crown.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
