Has Alan’s red mist given Guangzhou’s title challenge the elbow? Brazilian sure to miss chunk of the season for senseless sending off
Disciplinary committee will give the forward a thumbs down for his actions but how long he is sidelined is anyone’s guess
“A series of fouls, arguments and even aggressions” was how Tianjin Quanjian manager Paulo Sousa described Friday night’s meeting with champions Guangzhou Evergrande on his website but one incident stands out.
And it could have a bearing on the destination of the title.
Evergrande’s Brazilian forward Alan Carvalho was sent off for throwing an elbow at home defender Liu Yiming, seemingly in response to an off the ball challenge some seconds before.
The referee rightly reached for his top pocket and it was only Alan who was surprised to see the card was red.
The next look of disbelief from Guangzhou Evergrande will come when the disciplinary committee meets to dish out his punishment.
In the longer term, the powers that be are sure to make an example of Alan and he will be on the receiving end of a lengthy ban – one that could see him miss much of the season.