Como winger Jesus Rodriguez was sent off for slapping San Marino’s Bartolomeo Riggioni despite Spain U21s leading 12-0 in their European Championship qualifier on Thursday.
The 20-year-old was dismissed in the final minutes of Spain’s eventual 13-0 victory, prompting criticism on social media over the incident’s timing and the scoreline.
Rodriguez had come on as a second-half substitute and played a part in Spain’s 12th goal. He set up Mario Martin in the 85th minute, but was shown a red card 10 minutes later after an altercation at the near post.
The incident happened shortly before a Spain corner, when Rodriguez slapped Riggioni following a minor coming-together.
The sending-off came with Spain 12 goals ahead and deep into injury time, leading to criticism of the Como player online.
Rodriguez joined Como from Real Betis in January 2025 and was the Italian club’s record signing at the time. He had started the match on the bench, while his Como team-mate Jacobo Ramon was included in Spain’s starting XI.
Ramon scored Spain’s third goal after just over half an hour, heading home from inside the six-yard box.
Rodriguez will now miss Spain U21s’ final European Championship qualifier against Romania, who are third in Group A.
Spain lead the group with 24 points from nine matches but have not yet mathematically secured qualification for the final tournament.
