Ex-Liverpool star sent off for obscene gesture as VAR intervenes

Former Liverpool midfielder Allan was shown a red card during Fluminense’s 3-1 win over Corinthians after grabbing his crotch in an obscene gesture that was caught by VAR

Allan Rodrigues de Souza was dismissed during Fluminense’s 3-1 triumph over Corinthians on Thursday after making an obscene gesture towards Lucho Acosta involving his groin area.

Already trailing 2-0 courtesy of strikes from John Kennedy and Hercules, Corinthians’ afternoon deteriorated further when the midfielder was initially cautioned following a clash with the Fluminense creator.

The 29-year-old was caught pushing Acosta repeatedly before both sets of players rushed in to separate the pair. Amid the melee, a member of Fluminense’s coaching staff received his marching orders, before Allan was seen making the inappropriate gesture while shouting at his rival.

While the referee appeared to miss the incident initially, despite being positioned right beside Allan, VAR officials alerted him to what had occurred.

The match official then consulted the pitch side monitor to examine the replay, before returning to dismiss the Brazilian.

Fluminense sealed victory at the Maracana 3-1 following the red card, with Rodrigo Castillo adding a third in the 83rd minute before Andre grabbed a late consolation.

Following the final whistle, Corinthians manager Dorival Junior confirmed that Allan recognises his error and that the incident would be addressed behind closed doors.

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It marks Allan’s third dismissal of his professional career, having collected two previous red cards during his 170-match spell with Atletico Mineiro between 2020 and 2023.

Liverpool supporters might recall the player’s name from a five-year spell at Anfield spanning 2015 to 2020. Yet Allan never actually turned out for the club where he signed his first professional deal.

Rather, he spent most of his tenure with the Reds out on loan at clubs including SJK, Sint-Truiden, Hertha BSC, Apollon Limassol, Eintracht Frankfurt and Fluminense before making his switch to Mineiro permanent.

He transferred to Flamengo in 2023, prior to joining Corinthians on a temporary basis this campaign.

After an underwhelming beginning to the Brazilian Serie A season, Corinthians presently occupy 11th position in the table with two victories, four draws and three defeats from their matches.

They also find themselves nine points adrift of league frontrunners Palmeiras. Fluminense, by contrast, hold second place in the division with an identical points tally to Palmeiras – both teams boasting 19 points – though the table leaders still have their game week nine fixture against Gremio at home on Friday, April 3 to fulfil.