Super Eagles star, Wilfred Ndidi, had a birthday to forget on Saturday when Leicester City hosted Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Starting for the 18th consecutive time this season, Ndidi was expected to mark his 21st birthday in style at the King Power.
However, it wasn’t to be as the ex-Genk midfielder received his marching order for the first time since moving to England in January.
With his side already trailing to first-half goals from Christian Benteke and Wilfried Zaha, the Nigeria international was sent off in the 61st minute for simulation.
Moments earlier, the Foxes had a goal disallowed on a frustrating afternoon for the hosts.
Already on a yellow card, Ndidi went down under pressure from Crystal Palace duo Scott Dann and James McArthur.
However, there was absolutely no contact as the Nigerian’s legs buckled from underneath him.
Referee Martin Atkinson was quick to brandish the second yellow card and Leicester were two down, and a man down.
In the process, the midfielder became the first player to be dismissed on his birthday since Dwight Gayle in 2015.
2015 – Wilfred Ndidi is the first player to be sent off in the Premier League on his birthday since Dwight Gayle (Crystal Palace) vs West Ham United on October 17th 2015. Card. pic.twitter.com/ErPQ4pGttB
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 16, 2017
As Ndidi trudged off, the crowd applauded him and even chanted, “You’re not fit to referee” to Atkinson.
Bakary Sako added the third goal for Crystal Palace to halt the Foxes’ five-game unbeaten run.
