Red card, relegation fights and last-minute drama as Liverpool defender suffers nightmare debut

Billy Koumetio endured a debut to forget for USL Dunkerque as the on-loan Liverpool defender was sent off after 52 minutes.

The Frenchman joined the newly-promoted Ligue 2 side late last month, hoping to fare better than he did in his previous loan move after seeing a temporary switch to Austria Vienna terminated midway through the season.

An unused substitute against AC Ajaccio before the international break, the 20-year-old was handed his debut from the start against Grenoble as he lined up as the left-sided centre-back in a back three.

Yet he would pick up bookings in both halves for late challenges high up the left flank, seeing his afternoon ended prematurely in the 52nd minute. Despite Koumetio’s dismissal, which will see now miss Dunkerque’s clash with Rodez AF on Saturday, the French outfit still fought out a 0-0 draw. However, the stalemate leaves them occupying the final relegation place on goal-difference.

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Koumetio wasn’t the only Liverpool loanee to make his debut for his temporary club this weekend, with both Tyler Morton and Nat Phillips making their maiden appearances for Hull City and Celtic respectively.

It proved to be an afternoon to remember for Morton, having been introduced as a substitute just before the hour-mark. The midfielder claimed an assist late on to help the Tigers earn a 1-1 draw against Coventry City as Aaron Connolly headed home his cross.

Meanwhile, Phillips went head to head against fellow Liverpool loanee Owen Beck as Celtic hosted Dundee. The centre-back was replaced at half-time as the Hoops ran out 3-0