Arsenal midfielder Louie Copley was sent off for a horror challenge 15 minutes into the club’s UEFA Youth League match as the young Gunners fell to defeat.
Copley, the captain of Arsenal’s Under-19 side, was dismissed for a forceful tackle on Olympiacos’ Argyrios Liatsikouras at Boreham Wood’s Meadow Park.
The 18-year-old’s challenge left Liatsikouras in a heap on the playing surface.
Liatsikouras was able to continue, but Copley was punished for his tackle on the Greek youngster.
Italian referee Matteo Marcenaro showed Copley a straight red card, which proved costly for the Gunners.
Arsenal fell behind just six minutes later with Ethan Cortes opening the scoring for Olympiacos.
Louie Copley, left, was sent off after just 15 minutes of Arsenal’s UEFA Youth League match
The Gunners suffered a 2-1 defeat after the red card – their second loss in the competition
The Greek side doubled their advantage through Christos Filis in the 37th minute, after he followed in on the rebound after a Jack Porter save.
Arsenal ultimately racked up 17 shots in the match as they attempted to get back into the contest.
The 10-men eventually pulled one back through defender Josh Ogunnaike, who struck in the 83rd minute.
The Gunners were unable to find a leveller in the final minutes, as they lost their second successive match at the start of the UEFA Youth League.
Arsenal had previously lost 3-1 to Athletic Club in the opening match of the competition.
Arsenal’s youngsters had been watched on Wednesday by the club’s former star Jack Wilshere, who had previously served as the head coach of their under-18 side.
Wilshere turned down the chance to become Arsenal Under-21 head coach earlier this year after leaving Norwich’s coaching staff, with the 33-year-old instead focusing on landing his first management job.
The UEFA Youth League match came ahead of Arsenal’s home Champions League tie against Olympiacos at the Emirates this evening.
