Red Card BEFORE Kick-Off! FC Goa Captain Guarrotxena Sent Off in Tunnel – Super Cup Semi-Final Madness
Margao, December 4, 2025 – In a moment that will go down as one of the most bizarre incidents in Indian football history, FC Goa captain Iker Guarrotxena was shown a straight red card inside the tunnel before even stepping onto the pitch for the AIFF Super Cup 2025 semi-final against Mumbai City FC!
Yes, you read that right – the Spaniard didn’t play a single second, didn’t touch the ball, didn’t make a tackle… but still ended the night with a red card and a suspension.
→ Referee asked Guarrotxena to change his inner shorts (different colour from teammates)
→ Alleged dissent / argument with officials
→ Straight red card shown in the tunnel
→ Replaced in starting XI by Javier Siverio, Borja Herrera became captain
The Exact Moment That Shocked Everyone
Both teams were ready to walk out for the national anthem when the fourth official noticed that Guarrotxena’s under-shorts were a different shade from the rest of the FC Goa squad – a minor kit regulation issue that happens occasionally.
Instead of a quiet word and quick change, things escalated. According to live commentators and eyewitnesses:
“There was clear dissent from the FC Goa captain towards the referee in the tunnel. The situation got heated, words were exchanged, and the referee had no choice but to show the red card right there.”
Within minutes, FC Goa bench was forced into an emergency change – Javier Siverio rushed into the starting lineup and Borja Herrera took the captain’s armband.
What Does the Rule Book Say?
“A player who is sent off after being named on the team list and before kick-off may be replaced by a named substitute. The number of substitutions the team can make is NOT reduced.”
Translation in simple words:
- FC Goa still gets to use all 5 substitutes in the match
- Guarrotxena will serve a suspension (likely 1–3 matches)
- He officially has a red card on his record for this game
- FC Goa effectively played with 17 players on the bench instead of 18
Why This Matters So Much
Guarrotxena isn’t just any player – he is:
- FC Goa’s captain
- Top scorer this season (9 goals in ISL + cups)
- Penalty taker & set-piece specialist
- Leader in the dressing room
Losing him before kick-off is a massive blow when you’re facing a powerhouse like Mumbai City FC in a knockout semi-final.
How Rare Is a Pre-Match Red Card?
Extremely rare in modern football. A few famous cases worldwide:
- 2012 – Joey Barton sent off in tunnel before QPR game
- 2007 – Newcastle’s Emre shown red in tunnel for abusive language
- 1998 – Paolo Montero (Juventus) red carded in tunnel
In Indian football? This is probably the first time ever at this level.
What Happens Next for FC Goa?
The Gaurs now have to beat Mumbai City FC without their captain and main striker if they want to reach the Super Cup final against East Bengal (who beat Punjab FC 3–1 in the first semi).
Guarrotxena will almost certainly miss the final if Goa qualifies, and possibly the first ISL match of 2026 as well.
Twitter/X Reactions – Internet Goes Wild
- “Bro got red carded for fashion police violation”
- “Guarrotxena achieved the impossible – red card with 0 minutes played”
- “This is peak Indian football chaos and I’m here for it”
- “Imagine warming up for 2 hours just to get sent off in the tunnel”
Final Thoughts
Football is a game of passion, but discipline matters too. A small kit issue turned into a massive self-inflicted wound for FC Goa. One moment of lost temper has potentially cost them the Super Cup dream.
Will Mumbai City capitalize on the 12 vs 11 advantage (psychologically at least)? Or will FC Goa rally around the setback like true warriors?
Kick-off is underway – and the drama has already peaked before the first whistle!
Stay tuned for live updates from Margao.
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