Joao Gomes sent off for moment of madness just 40 minutes into horror Aston Villa debut with new team 4-0 down

NEW Aston Villa signing Joao Gomes has been sent off just 40 minutes into a horror debut, while his team trailed 4-0 to Brighton. The Brazilian gave away possession and kicked out at Brighton man Georginio Rutter. New Aston Villa midfielder Joao Gomes was sent off following a terrible debut Credit: Getty His petulant kick-out on Georginio Rutter left the referee no choice Credit: PA The ref initially gave a yellow card before reviewing the VAR footageCredit: sky sports Rutter went flying following the challenge Credit: sky sports Gomes was originally shown a yellow for the challenge, but VAR rightfully stepped in. After review, there was only ever going to be one outcome, as Gomes was sent for an early bath at the Amex. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! And while it was a debut from hell for the £34million summer signing, it was an opening day first half from hell for everyone associated with Aston Villa. The horror show began with Victor Lindelof‘s own-goal inside eight minutes. It took just ten more minutes for the Seagulls to double their lead, as Maxim De Cuyper opened his account. And a one-minute brace from Arsenal-linked Jack Hinshelwood firmly rubbed salt in Villa wounds as they found themselves 4-0 up after 31 minutes. Speaking of rubbing salt in the wounds, Gomes’ red card couldn’t really have come at a worse stage in the game. Villa went in at half-time 4-0 down, with Unai Emery‘s side failing to register a shot-on-target in the first half. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS This could be linked to Ollie Watkins‘ absence – the England striker is rumoured to be switching to the Saudi league. When quizzed on Watkins ahead of the game, Emery became a meme once again as he gave a bizarre response. Comment now