“You don't have to tackle like that’ - Club Brugge captain slams Onyedika for red card against Fiorentina

The Super Eagles star was in excellent form going into the match, winning the club's Player of the Month award after scoring three goals in the Jupiler Pro League Champions playoffs.

However, after being sent off for a second bookable offence one hour into the match against Fiorentina, he went from being a hero to a zero.

M'Bala Nzola scored a late goal in the opening minute of stoppage time to give Fiorentina a 3-2 victory, making the one-man advantage matter in the end.

After pushing Fiorentina centre forward Andrea Belotti in the 58th minute, Onyedika was given a yellow card. 

Three minutes later, the Nigerian player was sent off for a careless challenge on Lucas Beltran, reducing the visiting team to 10 men.

Hans Vanaken highlighted that Onyedika's red card was preventable in a straightforward interview with Club Brugge's official website following the match. 

He also hinted that the defensive midfield player was not aware he had previously received a yellow card before being sent off.

Vanaken said, as reported by Club Brugge's official webpage, "I have mixed feelings about that late third goal for the Italians. Especially after the red card for Onyedika, you realize that it will be a matter of survival.

"And for a long time, it looked like we would succeed, but then you still get that late goal in extremis and that is always sour of course.

"The red card for Onyedika was avoidable because, at that place on the pitch, you don't have to tackle like that. By the way, I don't know if he knew he had already run into yellow."

Onyedika won't be eligible for selection for the match at the Jan Breydelstadion in Brugge the following week.