Former Manchester United defender scores own goal & gets sent off in Saudi Pro League debut

Former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling had a tough introduction to football in Saudi Arabia after scoring an own goal and getting sent off on his debut for Al-Fayha.

Aged 34, Smalling has experienced life in England and Italy as a professional footballer. Now he can add Saudi Arabia to that list after departing AS Roma this summer.

The England international made 323 appearances for United, winning two Premier League titles, and left after nine years at the club. He won the Conference League under Jose Mourinho at Roma in 2022.

The Mirror has run a report on Smalling’s first appearance for Al-Fayha, which they describe as a “horror debut” after scoring an own goal before getting sent off in an eventual 5-0 thrashing.

في الظهور الأول “سمولينغ” يُسجل في مرماه

🟠 الفيحاء 0 & 1 الرائد ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/C7oO1TBek2

— تركي (@Fieldleague1) September 14, 2024

Smalling’s own goal came just six minutes into the game following a low cross into the six-yard box. The red card came after 55 minutes of play with the scoreline 3-0 in Al-Raed’s favour.

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