Como talent Jesus Rodriguez sent off for foolish slap while 12-0 up with Spain U21s

COMO, ITALY - FEBRUARY 28:Jesus Rodriguez of Como 1907 celebrates with his team-mate after scoring their team's second goalduring the Serie A match between Como 1907 and US Lecce at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Como talent Jesus Rodriguez has been criticised on social media after earning a foolish red card in the final minutes of a European Championship qualifier with the Spain U21s on Thursday evening, while his side were 12 goals up in an eventual 13-0 victory over San Marino. 

Jesus Rodriguez sent off for 95th-minute slap in 13-0 victory

The 20-year-old, who was Como’s club record signing at the time of his arrival from Real Betis in January 2025, was introduced as a second-half substitute as Spain’s U21s hammered their Sammarinese counterparts 13-0 in European Championship qualification on Thursday evening. 

His Como teammate Jacobo Ramon was named in the starting XI and scored his nation’s third goal of the night with a header within the six-yard box just over half an hour in. 

Un central con mucho gol.

¡Vuelve a marcar Jacobo Ramón con la sub-21!

🇸🇲 0-3 🇪🇸 | 32'

📺 @teledeporte#U21EURO | #NuestraBase pic.twitter.com/BL8dNcYo2B

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) October 1, 2026

Rodriguez was introduced in the second period and provided an assist for Mario Martin for Spain’s 12th goal of the night in the 85th minute. 

The Como winger was sent off just 10 minutes later, though, after foolishly slapping San Marino’s Bartolomeo Riggioni after a minor coming-together at the near post just before a Spain corner. 

The youngster was criticised on social media after the incident, especially given that his side were 12 goals up so late into injury time. 

Jesus Rodriguez will now be suspended for Spain U21s’ final European Championship qualifier against Romania, who sit in third place in qualification Group A. Spain sit at the top of their group with 24 points from nine matches, but are not yet mathematically qualified for the final tournament.

Watch: Highlights from Spain U21s’ 13-0 victory over San Marino

📹 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗘𝗡 | #U21EURO

🇸🇲 0-13 🇪🇸

Crónica del partido: https://t.co/Q4aoTCjYYE#NuestraBase pic.twitter.com/SDBDjCeTE0

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) October 2, 2026