Nigerian forward Gift Orban was shown a straight red card in the 11th minute of Hellas Verona’s 2–1 Serie A defeat to Parma on Sunday, in a match that ended dramatically with a 93rd-minute winner for the hosts at Stadio Ennio Tardini.
Parma took an early lead through Adrián Bernabé, but Verona, reduced to ten men following Orban’s dismissal, rallied to equalise from the penalty spot before the break. A late strike by Mateo Pellegrino sealed the victory for the home side in stoppage time.
The red card came after Orban confronted the referee for a decision, resulting in a straight dismissal that saw Verona finish the game with a numerical disadvantage. Despite their spirited comeback, they were unable to hold on for a draw.
Verona’s penalty equaliser was converted by Abdou Harroui just before halftime after a foul in the box, setting the score at 1–1 going into the break. The game looked destined for a draw until Parma’s late winner.
Editorial
Gift Orban’s early dismissal was the defining moment of this match. Being reduced to ten men so early put enormous pressure on Verona, yet the team showed commendable resilience to equalise and compete for much of the second half. However, Serie A is unforgiving when teams play with a numerical disadvantage for over eighty minutes, and Parma capitalised late.
Orban’s reaction to the referee’s decision which he reportedly felt was harsh highlights the emotional intensity players face in high stakes league matches. Verona’s inability to restrict Parma late on speaks to both the physical and tactical demands of maintaining structure with one fewer player. Nigerian fans will be disappointed to see a key attacker sent off so early, particularly given the team’s fightback.
For Parma, the result provides vital momentum in their fight for Serie A survival. A win such as this coming despite early adversity from a red card to the opposition demonstrates grit and determination, qualities that could be crucial as the season enters its decisive phase.
Did You Know?
- Gift Orban was sent off in the 11th minute for Hellas Verona after a straight red card, likely for confronting the referee.
- Parma’s first goal was scored by Adrián Bernabé in the 4th minute.
- Verona equalised before halftime through Abdou Harroui’s penalty in the 43rd minute.
- Mateo Pellegrino scored the winning goal for Parma deep into stoppage time at 90+3 minutes.
- Verona finished the match with only ten men due to Orban’s early sending-off.
