Why Roma star Malen saw red against Como and what he said to the fourth official

Roma star Donyell Malen received a straight red card for a reckless challenge during an away game at Como, but protested against the referee and the fourth official, arguing that a foul should have been awarded earlier in the move.

Roma star Malen, the current Serie A top goal-scorer, received a straight red card in the 53rd minute of an away Serie A match at Como.

Malen's red card incident in Como vs. Roma explained

COMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 11: Donyell Malen of AS Roma reacts as he walks off the pitch after being shown a red card during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 11, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

The Dutch forward battled Jacobo Ramon for the ball, and the pair pulled each other's shirts. When the ball went away from them, Malen tried to win it back but went in with a clumsy tackle, leaving his leg straight and his studs up.

Referee Michael Fabbri didn't even need VAR intervention; he showed a straight red card within seconds.

DAZN referee expert Luca Marelli commented on the incident live and agreed that the decision was correct: "The red card was the right call. It's true that he got a slight touch on the ball with his foot, but he goes in recklessly with his foot above the ankle, his knee locked, and at speed. In my opinion, it was the correct decision."

COMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 11: Donyell Malen of AS Roma is challenged by Jacobo Ramon of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 11, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini protested on the touchline, alongside Roma's reserves on the bench.

DAZN pitchside reporter Davide Bernardi said Malen and Roma's players on the sidelines told the fourth official the same thing as the Dutch striker left the field: "It's always foul before."

Malen is convinced his challenge with Ramon should have resulted in a foul in his favour, yet the referee let play continue and then punished the Dutchman for his reckless tackle.

Curiously, referee Fabbri picked up an injury a few minutes later, forcing fourth official Simone Sozza to replace him for the remainder of the game.

ROMA GO DOWN TO 10 MEN 🫣Donyell Malen has been sent off early in the second half vs. Como 🔴