AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori, a defender for the former club Chelsea was sent off as Chelsea seized control in Group E with a 2-0 win at the San Siro in Champions League.
But it was a different reunion for Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – who scored against ex-employers Milan and made it three goals in as many games for Graham Potter’s side.
The Blues have now reached the top of their group after failing to win the first two matches. They will need to win one more match to reach the knockout stage.
Reece James’ injury made it difficult for England and Chelsea fans to enjoy the match.
Another England defender, Tomori, was sent off for a foul on Mason Mount in the penalty area early on – and Jorginho successfully converted from the spot.
It was a double whammy for Tomori and the Italian champions, who were stunned at the referee’s decision.
Tomori’s former Chelsea academy teammate Mount did not make much of the challenge and the Blues’ appeals were muted.
The Milan defender was the wrong side and had his hands on the Chelsea forward as he beared down on goal – but contact was minimal.
Tomori begged for VAR review and pleaded his innocence. However, technology failed to save him despite another look.
After the decision was confirmed, the Englishman took quite a while to leave and seemed to be losing his cool.
Tomori was visibly upset, and he complained to the fourth official. Tomori eventually left the pitch.
Engand legend Stuart Pearce could understand the defender’s frustration but insisted Mount’s honesty made the challenge look better than it was.
Pearce told talkSPORT: “Tomori grappled a couple of times. If they hadn’t given it on the pitch I don’t think VAR would’ve given it.
“If he’d [Mount} gone down there would have been no question from anybody but because Mount was genuine it raised the question from Tomori that he didn’t touch him.”
Aubameyang, who came through the youth system at Milan, doubled the lead soon afterwards after a smart move.
In the end, Chelsea cruised to victory against the Italian champions once again after a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge last week.
Besides an injury to James, a positive night was capped off as Dinamo Zagreb and RB Salzburg played out a 1-1 draw.
