Aden McCarthy makes unwanted UEFA Champions League history

Aden McCarthy made history as the first South African player to receive a red card in the UEFA Champions League.

The 22-year-old defender was sent off during Sabah FK’s UEFA Champions League clash against Viking on Wednesday night, as the Azerbaijani side suffered a 4-1 defeat.

McCarthy was initially booked after a late challenge. However, after a VAR review, the referee upgraded the decision to a straight red card, bringing his night to an early end.

Despite the disappointing result, McCarthy has enjoyed an impressive spell since joining Sabah FK from Kaizer Chiefs. The young defender has established himself as one of the club’s standout performers.

Last month, he reached another milestone when he scored his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal in front of his father, former Bafana Bafana defender Fabian McCarthy.

Since leaving Amakhosi, Aden has continued to make progress in European football. He also made his Champions League debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford, gaining valuable experience on one of football’s biggest stages.

His latest milestone, however, will be remembered for a different reason as he becomes the first South African to be sent off in the competition.

Aden McCarthy gets a straight red

Despite the red card, the former Kaizer Chiefs star has had a good season so far. His team, Sabah FK sit top of the Azerbaijan Premier League with 20 points from eight games. In the UEFA Champions League, they are 31st in the standings and look unlikely to qualify for the next stage.