Eric Garcia is Eventually Sent Off after the Referee Initially Showed Him Wrong Card in a 2-1 Defeat

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia was eventually sent off in Thursday's Champions League opener against AS Monaco after the referee got his cards muddled up.

The match was only 10 minutes old when Takumi Minamino dispossessed Garcia outside the Barca penalty area.

The Spaniard then brought down the former Liverpool man as he bore down on goal in what looked like a clear professional foul.

However, the referee quickly showed Garcia a yellow card before seemingly gesturing for him to make his way off the pitch.

It confused those in the stadium and those watching at home as the commentator speculated that the official had accidentally shown the wrong color card.

It was then made clear that he had as Garcia was seen trudging off and down the tunnel.

Things then went from bad to worse for the Catalans as Maghnes Akliouche gave AS Monaco the lead just six minutes later.

Lamine Yamal drew his side level with a moment of brilliance but George Ilenikhena netted the winner for the French side 12 minutes from time.

The result brought an end to a perfect start to the season for Barcelona, who have won all of their opening five La Liga matches.

Hansi Flick's men stand at the top of the La Liga table, four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.