Horror debut! Aston Villa signing Joao Gomes sent off, leaving his team trailing 4-0 vs Brighton
By Luke Oluoch, August 23, 2026The new Premier League 2026/27 season has seen its first red card brandished during the Sunday, August 23, 2026, clash pitting Brighton & Hove Albion against Aston Villa at the Amex Stadium.
João Gomes was the recipient of the unwanted record after being shown a straight red card following a VAR review during the first half of the match.
The 25-year-old Rio de Janeiro-born Brazilian was making his debut appearance for the Villans after completing a switch from relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers, whom he played for last season.
Gomes’ dismissal came after VAR adjudged him guilty of violent conduct for kicking a Brighton player while on the ground.
Red card on debut
He became the latest player to receive his marching orders on his debut, equalling QPR’s Samba Diakité’s record against Fulham in February 2012.
The Brazilian’s early exit left Unai Emery’s side in a massive hole as they trailed 4-0 just before half-time.
EPL’s opening week drama
The dismissal added to the captivating drama and fanfare that greeted the opening matchweek of the English top-flight matches, which kicked off on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal opened their title defense with an emphatic performance, outfoxing newcomers Coventry City 3-0 to send an early statement of intent following their 2025/26 Premier League title triumph.
Kai Havertz became the player to net the opening goal of the new season with a deftly taken strike to set the Gunners on course. Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard provided further strikes for the North Londoners’ emphatic start.
Manchester United produced the shock of the weekend the following day. The Red Devils were stunned in a 2-0 loss to Premier League returnees Hull City, who broke their duck to clinch a maiden Premier League win over the English giants at the MKM Stadium.
Meanwhile, a day to forget for the Midlands side saw Unai Emery’s team surpass an earlier dismal defensive display, eclipsing a new-look Tottenham Hotspur’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford.