West Ham youngster Kristijan Belic had a debut to forget as he was sent off in his first match for Serbia under-19s.
Serbia were in action in the UEFA European U19 Championship Elite Round Group 7 match with Ukraine, which ended in a 2-2 draw. But Belic’s match was short-lived as he was dismissed for two yellow cards in the second-half.
Kristijan Belic and his nightmare debut
The 17-year-old started the game on the substitutes’ bench, having made the step up in age group since the last international break. At half-time, with Serbia trailing 2-1, Belic was brought off the bench to help find an equaliser against Ukraine.
Belic is renowned for his tough-tackling approach that he shows with his central midfield displays for the Hammers’ youth sides. But it seemed he was too aggressive as he picked up two yellow cards in relatively quick succession with Serbia still trailing.
The West Ham teenager will now miss the match against Belgium’s under-19 side through suspension, although he will return for the third and final Group 7 game against Italy next Tuesday.
Kristijan Belic on his West Ham future
Speaking to the club’s official website a few weeks back, Belic revealed that he has his sights set on becoming West Ham’s first outfield Serbian in the Premier League.
Sasa Ilic, who played one game in goal for the Irons in 2000, is the only other Serbian to have represented West Ham.
Belic told whufc.com: “I didn’t know a Serbian player had never played outfield for West Ham before. I come from a small city in Serbia, so to be the first would be a great honour for both myself and my family.
“This is a great club with a big history, and it’s always great to play for West Ham, whatever the level.”
Belic, who is the younger brother of former West Ham academy player Luka Belic, is rated very highly at West Ham despite his red card for Serbia under-19s.
It is all part of the learning curve for the tenacious midfielder, who turns 18 next week.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
