Como manager Cesc Fàbregas did not mincemeat his criticism of Álvaro Morata following the forward’s early exit due to two yellow cards during a 2-1 home defeat to Fiorentina.
The Spain international entered the match in the 57th minute and was booked in the 88th minute while his team sought an equalizer, following a confrontation with Fiorentina’s Rolando Mandragora.
Just a minute later, Morata put his head into an off-the-ball incident with Luca Ranieri, resulting in Ranieri hitting the ground and Morata receiving his second yellow card, leading to his dismissal.
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“Provocation is part of football,” Fàbregas stated after the match regarding Morata’s red card.
“Those who can’t handle it should find another profession. He’s an experienced player, and I expect better from him because the difference between winning and losing is very small. I don’t accept excuses. Players need to focus on their own game, disregarding others’ actions.”
Morata, returning from a thigh injury suffered in December, will now be suspended for the upcoming league match against parent club AC Milan.
He joined Como on loan from AC Milan last summer and has yet to score in 15 league appearances.
Saturday’s defeat snapped Como’s 10-game unbeaten streak across all competitions and dropped them to seventh place in Serie A.