Barcelona’s Eric Garcia is eventually sent off after referee initially showed him the wrong card in 2-1 defeat at Monaco

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia was eventually sent off in Thursday’s Champions League opener against AS Monaco after the referee got his cards muddled up.  

The match was only 10 minutes old when Takumi Minamino dispossessed Garcia just outside the Barca penalty area.

The Spaniard then proceeded to bring down the former Liverpool man as he beared down on goal in what looked like a clear professional foul.

However, the referee quickly showed Garcia a yellow card before seemingly gesturing for him to make his way off the pitch.

It caused confusion for both those in the stadium and those watching at home as the commentator speculated that the official had accidentally shown the wrong colour card.

The referee accidentally showed Eric Garcia a yellow card before sending the Spaniard off

Garcia cut a frustrated figure as he made his way off the pitch after just 10 minutes

Garcia cut a frustrated figure as he made his way off the pitch after just 10 minutes 

It was then made clear that he had as Garcia was seen trudging off and down the tunnel. 

Things then went from bad to worse for the Catalans as Maghnes Akliouche gave AS Monaco the lead just six minutes later.

Lamine Yamal drew his side level with a moment of brilliance but George Ilenikhena netted the winner for the French side 12 minutes from time.

The referee soon realised his mistake and brandished the red card to the defender

The referee soon realised his mistake and brandished the red card to the defender 

The result brought an end to a perfect start to the season for Barcelona, who have won all of their opening five LaLiga matches.

Hansi Flick’s men stip top of the LaLiga table, four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid. 

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