- Sunderland defender Reinildo received a straight red card against Aston Villa for violent conduct.
- He kicked out at Villa’s Matty Cash after a coming together, spotted via VAR review.
- Sunderland legend Micky Gray blasted his actions as “stupidity,” insisting he had no excuse.
- Reinildo becomes the first Sunderland player sent off in the Premier League since 2017.
- The Mozambican international will miss the next match against Nottingham Forest.
- He joined Sunderland this summer from Atletico Madrid and had started all league games so far.
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League hit turbulence on Sunday after defender Reinildo was shown a straight red card during their clash with Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.
The Mozambique international was dismissed in the first half after lashing out at Villa’s Matty Cash, an incident that was initially overlooked by the referee but later flagged by VAR for violent conduct. Referee Sam Barrott wasted no time in sending the full-back off, leaving Sunderland to play the remaining 57 minutes with 10 men.
The decision drew sharp criticism from Sunderland legend Micky Gray, who branded Reinildo’s actions careless and unnecessary, stressing that he left the referee with no choice but to produce the red card. The incident came at a time when Sunderland had been comfortable in the game, further frustrating fans and pundits alike.
Manager Regis Le Bris quickly reshuffled his lineup, bringing on Dan Ballard for young midfielder Chris Rigg to stabilize the defense after Reinildo’s dismissal. Despite the tactical adjustment, the damage was already done, as the Black Cats were forced to finish the match a man short.
The 31-year-old’s sending off marks the first time a Sunderland player has been dismissed in a Premier League fixture since Sebastian Larsson’s red card against Manchester United in April 2017. Reinildo also makes history as the first Mozambican footballer to receive a red card in the English top flight.
Signed on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid during the summer, Reinildo had been a consistent starter under Le Bris, playing every minute of Sunderland’s league campaign until his costly mistake against Villa. He will now serve a suspension, ruling him out of Sunderland’s upcoming trip to Nottingham Forest.
