Douglas Luiz sent off for Brazil against Ivory Coast in awful decision during Olympics clash in Yokohama
ASTON VILLA star Douglas Luiz was sent off for Brazil in their Olympics clash against Ivory Coast on Sunday.
The game in Tokyo finished goalless as the defending champions played 77 minutes with ten men following the controversial decision.
Referee Ismail Elfath unleashed a red card after Luiz was judged to have fouled ex- star Max Gradel, denying him a goalscoring opportunity.
The Ivory Coast skipper was around 25 yards from goal and there didn't appear to be much contact between the two players.
Luiz was initially booked by the referee but his punishment was upgraded after Elfath was advised to check the pitch-side monitor by VAR.
Ivory Coast failed to make their advantage count and it was Brazil who seemed the most likely to score during the 90 minutes.
Various Premier League stars were on show, including Manchester United pair Eric Bailly and Amad Diallo.
Barcelona legend Dani Alves, 38, captained Brazil in the match as he aims to win his first gold medal in Japan.
The game was held at the International Stadium in Yokohama, where Brazil defeated Germany 2-0 to win the 2002 World Cup final.
The South Americans are one of the favourites to win the tournament after a stellar start to their campaign, beating Germany 4-2.
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Everton striker Richarlison was to thank for their opening victory, scoring a hat-trick to deny an impressive German side.
Ivory Coast also started their tournament well, defeating unfancied Saudi Arabia 2-1 in their opener.
Both teams need just a point from their final group games to progress, with Brazil facing Saudi Arabia and Ivory Coast taking on Germany.
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