Tottenham fans will love what Kyle Walker did for Dele Alli after red card disaster

Dele Alli made an emotional return to the pitch after more than two years out of the game, but the former Tottenham midfielder’s special day turned into a nightmare despite protests from Kyle Walker.

Dele last played a competitive game in February of 2023 during his loan spell at Besiktas, with the former Tottenham man’s injury troubles playing havoc on his hope of a comeback.

Dele’s mental health issues have been well-documented, which is why many Spurs fans have been rooting for him to be back on the pitch and get back to doing what he does best.

The attacking midfielder, who signed for Como back in January, finally made his debut for the club in their defeat at the San Siro on Saturday, but things did not go according to plan for the 28-year-old.

Dele Alli’s return to the pitch ends in disaster

Dele replaced Lucas Da Cunha on 81 minutes as Como went in search of a late equaliser, with the midfielder returning to the pitch after 748 days.

What a moment for Dele, returning to the pitch for the first time in 748 days ????

pic.twitter.com/1twMIkSkmF

— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) March 15, 2025

Unfortunately, not only did the away side not get an equaliser, but disaster struck for the debutant, who was shown a straight red in injury time.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man stepped on the calf of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and while he was initially shown a yellow card, the referee changed it to a red after being asked to re-watch the incident by VAR.

Tottenham link: Kyle Walker comes to Dele’s defence

Dele Alli’s former Spurs teammate, Kyle Walker, was playing for the Rossoneri, and the right-back evidently felt for the Como man, knowing what he has gone through over recent years.

When the referee was about to change his yellow card to a red, Walker pleaded with him not to send Dele off despite being part of the opposition side.

Dele Alli was sent off after receiving a red card just nine minutes into his first professional appearance in two years.

Even Kyle Walker was pleading with the ref to keep the initial yellow and to not change it to a red ???? pic.twitter.com/B6hWGYeHks

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 15, 2025

However, the full-back’s appeal fell on deaf ears, with Dele being given his marching orders, which means that he will be suspended for the next three Serie A matches.

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