A substitute’s role is to enter the game and make an impression – yes, one of Luton’s players certainly did that.
The Hatters are facing United Oxford in the Championship and despite leading twice, they were level at 2-2.
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With 14 minutes of normal time remaining, Rob Edwards made a double substitution including bringing on Liam Walsh, the versatile central midfielder.
While the 27-year-old clearly wanted to make an impression, he was perhaps a little too eager as he was given the marching order just 36 seconds after entering the arena.
Aiming at a 50-50 ball in the middle of the pitch, Walsh lunged at Siriki Dembele with two feet and left the winger sprawled on the pitch.
While the Luton players tried to argue their case, it was in vain as the midfielder was shown a straight red card for a serious foul.
Walsh was making just his sixth appearance for Luton after joining the club City of Swansea during summer.
After making progress Evertonyouth academy, Walsh also played there City of BirminghamCoventry and City of Bristol.
If making an impression was the goal, he certainly succeeded in doing so.
However, fans saw the funny side of his red card.
One fan used X, describing it as “the world’s worst cameo”.
Another supporter concluded: “Good impact from Luton’s Liam Walsh. Sent off for a two-foot lunge 36 seconds after coming on. Doubt he touched the ball.”
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Meanwhile, a third fan simply wrote: ‘Go hard or go home’, two things Walsh definitely did.
With Luton down to ten men, Oxford dug deep to try and get a winner, but a tough Hatters defense managed to see the game through to earn a valuable point.
After being relegated from the Premier League last season, Luton is determined to immediately return to the top flight.
But it has been a tough transition back to EFL life for Edwards’ side who have picked up just one point from their first four games in the Championship.
While back-to-back wins in September kept them out of the relegation zone, the Hatters are still struggling in 18th place in the standings with eight points from eight games.
Meanwhile Oxford, who were promoted from League One last season, currently sit 12th in the standings having collected 11 points so far.