AS Saint-Étienne endured a challenging first half in their Coupe de France clash with Olympique de Marseille on Sunday, as Ibrahim Sissoko’s early red card left the team struggling.
The Malian striker’s dismissal in the 20th minute paved the way for Marseille to dominate, taking a commanding 2-0 lead by halftime.
Sissoko, a key figure for Saint-Étienne this season, saw his match come to an abrupt end after an altercation with Leonardo Balerdi.
A raised elbow to the Marseille defender earned him a straight red card, reducing the already embattled Greens to ten men for the remainder of the game.
Marseille wasted no time capitalizing on the numerical advantage.
Just minutes after Sissoko’s exit, Luis Henrique set up Mason Greenwood for the opening goal.
The visitors extended their lead in the 34th minute with a stunning volley from Adrien Rabiot, leaving Saint-Étienne with an uphill battle.
At the break, the scoreboard reflected Marseille’s dominance, with Saint-Étienne trailing 2-0 and struggling to find a way back.
The expulsion proved to be a turning point, as Marseille seized control and dictated the game’s pace.
Sissoko’s red card not only impacted the match but also sparked a wave of criticism online.
While some fans expressed disappointment in his reckless action, others resorted to abusive and racist remarks against the Malian forward.
This incident has added to the scrutiny Sissoko has faced in recent weeks, despite a relatively steady season in Ligue 1, where he has contributed three goals and one assist in 15 appearances.
Saint-Étienne’s struggles are emblematic of a team in crisis, and Sissoko’s dismissal highlights the mounting challenges they face.
With the Coupe de France dream slipping away and morale among players and fans hitting new lows, the club must now focus on damage control both on and off the pitch.
Meanwhile, Olympique de Marseille capitalized on the opportunity, executing a clinical first-half performance that left little doubt about their intentions to progress in the competition.
For Saint-Étienne, the red card and its aftermath serve as a stark reminder of the high stakes and emotional toll that come with competitive football.
