Young forward Josh Ajala was controversially sent off in West Ham’s Premier League 2 play-off defeat on Monday.
After beating Fulham on penalties in the first knockout round, the Hammers travelled to Brighton for the quarter-final.
West Ham were defeated 3-0 after an underwhelming performance on the south coast, exacerbated by Ajala’s straight red card.
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Josh Ajala sent off in Premier League 2 quarter-final
West Ham started the game fairly well until Brighton scored two goals within five minutes before half-time.
The Hammers’ chances of mounting a comeback were then ended 23 minutes after the break as Ajala was sent off.
The youngster received the ball on the half-turn and dribbled past three Brighton players in the centre of the pitch.
He drew contact from the third Seagulls player, with the referee playing advantage, before he lost control of the ball.
The 19-year-old then slid-tackled his opponent to regain possession, but arrived late and caught him on the ankle.
The referee quickly showed Ajala a straight red card for excessive force despite winning a free-kick.
The Hammers were baffled by the decision, as it looked like a clear-cut yellow card for a reckless challenge.
Although his studs were showing, Ajala’s foot was not raised, and so the red card came as a great surprise to him and his teammates.
West Ham continued to fight towards the end of the match to no avail, as the hosts scored a third goal in the 83rd minute.
The result marks a disappointing end to the 2025/26 season, especially for Ajala, who has been one of the Hammers’ star players.
The forward scored 13 goals in 27 appearances in all competitions and twice made the senior team’s FA Cup squad.
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