WALES defender Ethan Ampadu was given a straight red card against Italy for a late tackle on Federico Bernardeschi.
The centre-back was enjoying his first start of a major tournament in place of Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham.
But he was given his marching orders just ten minutes into the second half for a stamp on Bernardeschi, which referee Ovidiu Hategan deemed serious foul play.
Both Ampadu and Gareth Bale protested the decision but to no avail, as VAR upheld the referee’s judgement.
The Chelsea youngster, 20, later tweeted: “Devastated to be sent off but these boys! Massive credit for their fight.
“Last 16! Thanks to all the fans who travelled and who supported from home.”
In commentary for BBC 5 Live, Nathan Blake said of the incident: “It’s a nasty one I have to say.
“It’s the sort of challenge that could leave Federico Bernardeschi with a broken ankle.
“Goes with a stretched right foot and just catches him in the ankle. He’s obviously not meant it. He’ll be devastated.”
But former Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes the referee was harsh to send off the youngster.
Ampadu hard done by, says Halsey
‘Yellow was sufficient’
Halsey said: “Ethan Ampadu was hard done by when he was sent off by Hategan.
“The defender made a reckless challenge on Bernardeschi but it was not a stamp or serious foul play that endangered a player’s safety for me.
“Ampadu attempted to win the ball and he was late on the challenge. He caught Bernardeschi on the top of the foot and a yellow card would have been sufficient.
“Hategan’s harsh call was a subjective decision and VAR would not get involved in a situation like that to overturn it.
“Had the Romanian referee shown a yellow card I don’t think anyone would have complained.”
He told SunSport: “Ampadu was hard done by when he was sent off by Hategan.
“The defender made a reckless challenge on Bernardeschi but it was not a stamp or serious foul play that endangered a player’s safety for me.
“Ampadu attempted to win the ball and he was late on the challenge. He caught Bernardeschi on the top of the foot and a yellow card would have been sufficient.
“Hategan’s harsh call was a subjective decision and VAR would not get involved in a situation like that to overturn it.
“Had the Romanian referee shown a yellow card I don’t think anyone would have complained.”
Despite the red card, Wales held firm for the remaining 35 minutes and managed not to concede a second Italy goal.
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Bale was presented with a great chance to level the match when Wales were down to ten men, but he blazed a volley over the crossbar.
But Wales’ narrow defeat was enough for them to hold onto second place, finishing above Switzerland on goal difference.
Rob Page’s side will travel to Amsterdam next and will likely face one of Russia, Finland or Denmark in the round of 16.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
