Dele Alli's long-awaited return to professional football ended dramatically and disappointingly on Saturday night, as he was sent off just nine minutes after making his debut for Como 1907 during their 2-1 defeat to AC Milan. This marked the 28-year-old's first competitive match since February 26, 2023, when he last played for Besiktas Istanbul.
Alli signed with Como earlier this year, aiming to revitalize his career after two tumultuous years hampered by injuries and off-field struggles. His substitution came during the 81st minute, with Como down 2-1 and desperately searching for an equalizer against their Serie A rivals. Enthusiasm quickly turned to despair for Alli and his team when his reckless challenge on Ruben Loftus-Cheek drew the referee's attention.
Initially receiving only a yellow card, Alli's fate changed after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened, calling for the referee to reassess the challenge. Following the review, referee Matteo Marchetti upgraded the card to red, leaving Como with ten men during the closing moments of the match. The timing couldn't have been worse for the club as they attempted to salvage the game.
Como's head coach, Cesc Fabregas, was also sent off shortly after Alli for protesting the decision. "It's a serious mistake, one we should not see from someone of his experience," Fabregas told DAZN post-match. His sentiments echoed the frustrations felt by fans and players alike. The incident was particularly disheartening for the Como team, who had been working hard to keep their position safe above the relegation zone, currently sitting 13th with seven points clear of danger.
President Mirwan Suwarso publicly supported Alli amid the controversy. Stated on his Instagram account, "The fire still burns. After nearly two years, Dele Alli stepped back onto the battlefield. It takes courage to keep going, fight through doubt, and silence the noise to return to compete at the highest level once again. Some will talk about the red card. Let them. We saw hunger. We saw resilience." It emphasized the belief in Alli's potential to bounce back, reinforcing the idea of resilience and the long road to recovery he faces.
Despite the difficulties, coming back to the pitch after such a long absence is noteworthy and highlights Alli's determination to overcome his past challenges. The former Tottenham Hotspur star once was considered one of England's most promising talents, contributing significantly to the national team's run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.
Alli's career took a sharp decline following his stellar start, diminishing to the point of being without a club after his contract with Everton expired this past June. Complications, including injuries, mental health issues, and struggles with addiction prompted him to seek help, as he revealed during the summer he entered rehab to confront his demons. The six weeks spent dealing with his mental health has been instrumental for his recovery. When Como offered him another chance under Fabregas, fans hoped this would mark the revival of his career.
While the red card incident introduces yet another hurdle, it's important to recognize the pressure and expectations placed on the 28-year-old. "Not necessarily how I planned it, but we carry on," Alli shared, showing his determination to learn from the experience and remain focused on his rehabilitation process.
Despite his poor start, Como's management is optimistic about Alli's capabilities for the remainder of the season. The initial 18-month contract provides room for growth and potential extension. Como aims for promotion to Serie A, and many believe even after setbacks, particularly like on Saturday night, they can guide him back to form.
Unfortunately for both Alli and the club, the opportunity to remedy the error will require patience. With the next match looming after the international break, fans hope to see the performance they initially anticipated for their new signing. The narrative of resilience and recovery continues for Alli, where he faces not only the physical challenge of returning to form but also the mental challenge of overcoming this night's disappointment.
Dele Alli’s story is one of turmoil and tenacity, reshaping his professional aspirations. With time and the right support, he might yet prove doubters wrong and regain his position among football's elite. The road ahead is long—filled with challenges and expectations—but like President Suwarso stated, this is just the beginning for him.
