Joao Felix, Koscielny, Serge Aurier: Players to Be Sent Off on Full Premier League Debut

Joao Felix, Koscielny, Serge Aurier: Players to Be Sent Off on Full Premier League Debut

Martin Moses
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:22 PM
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  • Joao Felix was not the first player in history to be sent off on his full Premier League debut
  • The Portuguese striker was sent off after 57 minutes during Chelsea's clash versus Fulham
  • Serge Aurier and Laurent Koscienly are among other players to have suffered the same fate

Joao Felix was given a rude welcome to life in the Premier League, after he was red-carded in his first game for Chelsea.

Felix made his bow for his new side against Fulham on January 12 after sealing a loan move from Atletico Madrid. However, he was sent off before the hour mark for a rash challenge on Fulham's full-back, Kenny Tete.

Joao Felix, Laurent Koscielny, Serge Aurier, Chelsea, red card, Fulham
Joao Felix walks off off the pitch after being red-carded on January 12 during Chelsea's match against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside.
Source: Getty Images

The Portuguese striker is not the first player to be sent off on his full Premier League debut.

Touted as the most competitive league in the world, the EPL has in the past been unkind to debutants, as reported by Sportskeeda.

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1. Serge Aurier (Tottenham Hotspur)

Perhaps one wouldn't be surprised to see the Ivorian fullback on this list. Aurier is known for his abrasiveness on the pitch and is never known to shy away from tackles.

After joining Tottenham Hotspur from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, Aurier was handed his full debut against West Ham United. The full-back was first showed a yellow card in the 64th minute then six minutes later, he was shown a second yellow for a challenge on Andy Caroll.

2. Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)

Koscielny left Arsenal having become the team captain. However, his reign in a Gunners shirt did not begin on a rosy patch, following his debut against Liverpool at Anfield.

The French centre-back first survived a heavy challenge from Joe Cole in the first half, with Cole sent off as Koscielny was stretchered off the pitch. He shook off the injury to make a comeback in the second half, only to collect two yellow cards in stoppage time and be sent off himself.

3. Gervinho (Arsenal)

Fresh from winning the Ligue 1 title with Lille, Gervinho arrived at Arsenal with the full backing of Arsene Wenger, despite doubts from the fan base. His debut came against Newcastle, where the two sides played out a cagey affair.

The Ivorian forward went down in the penalty area but his claims were waved away. Newcastle's Joey Barton accused him of diving and a scuffle ensued between the two. Gervinho then lost his cool and slapped Barton, to receive his marching orders.

4. Kagisho Dikgacoi (Fulham)

Dikgacoi was made to wait for his Premier League debut in 2009 due to work permit issues. He eventually got his chance against West Ham.

The South African international had an off-the-ball incident with Scott Parker on debut. He shoved Parker in the face with the referee giving both players a yellow card, but after consultations with the linesman, Dikgacoi was sent off with a red.

Potter on Felix's red card

Graham Potter's reign as Chelsea boss went from bad to worse on Thursday, January 12, when his side went 2-1 down to Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Sports Brief reported that Joao Felix made his debut for the Blues in the match, barely 24 hours after sealing a loan move from Atletico Madrid.

The 22-year-old made an instant impact in the first half but was given a straight red card in the second half. Speaking after the game, Potter defended the club's latest acquisition.

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Martin Moses photo
Martin Moses
Martin Moses is a sports journalist with over five years of experience in media. He graduated from Multimedia University of Kenya (Bachelor of Journalism, 2017-2021)