Kevin de Bruyne hauled OFF as VAR intervenes in incident that left Erling Haaland fuming

Napoli were reduced to 10 men early on in their Champions League clash with Manchester City as Giovanni Di Lorenzo saw red following a VAR intervention after bringing Erling Haaland down when the striker was clean through on goal.

The referee didn't initially give a foul as Haaland was left in disbelief. The furious City striker mimicked showing a card before VAR intervened and advised the referee to review the decision on the pitchside monitor.

Di Lorenzo's early bath forced Napoli into a reshuffle with Kevin de Bruyne - making his return to the Etihad after leaving in the summer - sacrificed by Antonio Conte after just 26 minutes.

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Former Tottenham midfielder Michael Brown who was analysing the game for BBC Radio 5 Live sympathised with De Bruyne, saying: "What a shame for Kevin de Bruyne to be sacrificed after the red card.

"If it was in 65 minutes it might've been a different decision but these players have to be the most dynamic and fit to get anything from this game. What a shame for the game. He's graced so many nights in European football. Everybody's been waiting for him to come back. I'm so disappointed."

De Bruyne's return to The Etihad had been the big talking point ahead of Thursday night's game, which was 0-0 at the half-time break. Oasis star and City superfan, Noel Gallagher, revealed he had message De Bruyne ahead of the game begging the Belgian maestro not to score against Pep Guardiola's side.
"I've just texted him actually, I begged him not to score," Gallagher told talkSPORT. "It'll be a weird night… to see him in a different kit and to see him line up against us will be quite emotional, because he's the king. I expect him to have a great game and I expect him to make assists. Just as long as he doesn't score."

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