Welcome back! Billy Gilmour sent off just EIGHT MINUTES after coming on for Scotland U21s in draw with Croatia as Chelsea midfielder returns to action for the first time since July
- Billy Gilmour made his return from a meniscus injury for Scotland U21s
- The Chelsea midfielder was sent off eight minutes after coming off the bench
- Gilmour, 19, was initially penalised for a shoulder barge on Darko Nejasmic
- But he was sent off following an apparent row with the referee Michael Fabbri
Billy Gilmour’s return to action following a knee injury did not last long after being sent off for Scotland U21s just eight minutes after coming on to the pitch following an apparent spat with the referee.
The 19-year-old had been out since early July after damaging the meniscus in his right knee but came on to replace Scot Gemmill with his side trailing Croatia U21s 2-1 in the 63rd minute of the match.
Eight minutes later, Gilmour was penalised for a shoulder barge on Darko Nejasmic but to the amazement of the player was subsequently sent off following what appeared to be a heated outburst at referee Michael Fabbri.
Billy Gilmour’s return from a meniscus injury lasted just eight minutes after he was sent off
Scotland U21 star Gilmour was initially penalised for a shoulder barge on Darko Nejasmic
Gilmour was left stunned by the decision and was seen voicing his disapproval while marching off, before he was led down the tunnel by a member of the Scotland coaching staff.
Croatia had also been reduced to 10 men with Borna Sosa shown red 15 minutes prior to Gilmour getting sent off. The hosts however still managed to eventually come from two goals down to draw in their crucial Euro U21 qualifier in Edinburgh.
Scotland had been hoping to give the 19-year-old half an hour before his ill-fated return due to his lack of competitive action since the injury he suffered at Crystal Palace after lockdown, which saw him undergo surgery before a lengthy rehabilitation process.
But he was given his marching orders soon after an apparent outburst at the Michael Fabbri
Gilmour was making his first competitive appearances since getting injured for Chelsea in July
Gilmour broke through at Stamford Bridge under Frank Lampard last season, making 11 appearances for the Blues and producing excellent performances against Liverpool and Everton.
Lampard has spoken in glowing terms about Gilmour previously, stating that seeing the youngster rise through the ranks at Stamford Bridge has been extremely pleasing.
‘We’ve had a few of the young come through this year and that’s given me great pleasure,’ Lampard said in April.
Gilmour voiced his frustrations as he walked off the pitch before being escorted by staff
‘They’re great to work with, they’re like sponges who want to come in and learn.
‘Billy probably gives me as much pleasure as anyone. When you look at Billy he’s quite slight in terms of his size, he’s young, he’s quiet, he’s polite, but Billy moved over to the first team building a while ago because he had to. He trained at such a level.
‘If you have possession in training or a game or a simple passing drill, you’re talking about attitude and doing the basics right. In the modern day it can get lost a little bit. Can you do the real basics right? Billy does them day in, day out.’
The news will come as a frustration to Blues boss Frank Lampard who is keen on Gilmour