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NIGHTMARE DEBUT

Thomas Vermaelen sent off just 41 minutes into Roma debut in Champions League clash at Porto

Former Arsenal and Barcelona defender picked up two bookings and was given his marching orders

Thomas Vermaelen was sent off on his Roma debut at Porto

THOMAS VERMAELEN had a debut to forget for Roma after being sent off before half-time in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Belgian defender picked up two yellow cards and was given his marching orders in the 41st minute of Roma's 1-1 draw with Porto.

 Thomas Vermaelen was sent off on his Roma debut at Porto
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Thomas Vermaelen was sent off on his Roma debut at PortoCredit: Getty Images
 The former Arsenal defender was shown red for two yellow cards
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The former Arsenal defender was shown red for two yellow cardsCredit: Getty Images

The 30-year-old spent five years in north London with Arsenal before joining Barcelona in 2014, where he struggled to make an impact after a lack of playing time and injury problems.

Vermaelen was hoping for better in Serie A having joined Roma in the summer, but his fresh start has got off to the worst possible beginning.

Roma hung on for a 1-1 draw in Portugal despite having the defender see red.

 Andre Silva fires home Porto's equaliser from the penalty spot in the play-off round tie
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Andre Silva fires home Porto's equaliser from the penalty spot in the play-off round tieCredit: Getty Images
 Vermaelen joined the Serie A side this week after a frustrating time at Barcelona
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Vermaelen joined the Serie A side this week after a frustrating time at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images

Seeking to improve on Italian clubs' dire run in the playoff round, Roma began strongly and led in the 21st minute when Porto defender Felipe diverted a cross into his own net.

Porto dominated the second half against 10 Roma men but only scored through Andre Silva's penalty in the 61st.