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

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.