Nigerian midfielder Chrisantus Uche was shown a straight red card for the first time in his La Liga career as Getafe fell to a 1-0 defeat against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Friday night.

The 21-year-old, who has been one of the standout players in his debut season, saw red in the 60th minute following a reckless challenge on Espanyol winger Jofre.

Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea initially issued a yellow card but upgraded it to red after a VAR review led by Jorge Figueroa Vázquez.

“In the 60th minute, the player (6) Uche, Christantus Ugonna was sent off for the following reason: For entering with his foot in a plank shape, hitting the tibia of an opponent, using excessive force in the fight for the ball. The player who suffered the entry did not require medical assistance,” De Burgos wrote in his post-match report, as per MD.

Uche, who had previously been sent off for two yellow cards in a win over Osasuna in March, reacted angrily to the decision and had to be restrained by teammates and coaching staff.

“Once he was sent off, he had to be restrained and subsequently removed from the field of play by several players and coaching staff from his team as he was approaching me, angrily protesting my decision,” added the referee.

The dismissal is expected to earn Uche a three-match suspension, and his post-red card conduct may draw further scrutiny from the Spanish Football Federation, potentially resulting in a lengthier ban.

Marash Kumbulla’s 39th-minute goal proved decisive for Espanyol, who sealed their third consecutive league victory and climbed to 12th in the table with 38 points — just one behind Getafe in 11th, who have now suffered back-to-back defeats.

Uche’s absence will be a major blow for Getafe as they prepare to host Real Madrid, still reeling from their Champions League exit, on Tuesday.

The Nigerian has contributed three goals and five assists in 30 league appearances this season and was recently named in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the March World Cup qualifiers.

Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle is reportedly monitoring Uche closely ahead of Nigeria’s Unity Cup campaign in May, with the midfielder seen as a rising star for the national team.