Lyon boss fuming after Endrick's red card: 'Refs need to protect talent'
Real Madrid loanee Endrick sent off in controversial fashion during Lyon's win at Nantes, with manager Paulo Fonseca claiming opponents are deliberately targeting the Brazilian wonderkid.
A night that should’ve added another chapter to Endrick’s French fairytale turned sour in Nantes as the Real Madrid loanee saw red in controversial circumstances, despite Lyon securing the win.
Rocket mode deactivated
Before this trip to La Beaujoire, the Brazilian wonderkid had been writing headlines for all the right reasons at Lyon. Five goals in five matches, precocious record-breaking performances, and the unofficial title of the club’s best-ever debutant - Endrick had found in Lyon what he couldn’t get at the Bernabéu: consistent minutes, trust, and a starring role.
Paulo Fonseca embraced the youngster from day one, and Endrick repaid that faith with both skill and goals.
From yellow to red
The evening started on the wrong foot when the number 9 received a yellow card just two minutes into the match for stopping a counter-attack. Already walking a tightrope, disaster struck in the second half:
- Challenge from behind on Dehmaine Tabibou
- Contact with the opponent’s ankle
- VAR intervention leading to referee review
- Initial second yellow upgraded to straight red
The decision has sparked debate across French football, with opinions split between those who see it as excessive punishment and others who consider it a dangerous tackle.
Fonseca not having it
Lyon’s manager didn’t mince his words in the post-match presser, suggesting there’s a pattern emerging in how Endrick is being treated.
“There’s an intention to intimidate Endrick. It’s not the first time,” the Portuguese boss stated, clearly concerned that officials aren’t providing adequate protection for his talented youngster.
This isn’t Endrick’s first dismissal this season - he previously saw red for Madrid against Celta - but it comes at a particularly frustrating time during his purple patch. He’ll miss the upcoming fixture against Nice, with potential for further suspension pending review.
Between the brilliance of his talent and the harsh realities of European football, the Brazilian is getting a proper education in the school of hard knocks - the bits they don’t show you in the goal highlights. For now, his rocket mode has been temporarily deactivated.