Okoye Apologises After Early Red Card in Udinese’s 5–1 Loss to Fiorentina

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has apologised to fans, teammates and the club’s management after his early red card played a key role in the team’s heavy 5–1 defeat to Fiorentina on Sunday.

The Nigerian international was sent off in the eighth minute after a dangerous challenge on Fiorentina striker Moise Kean. Referee Maurizio Mariani showed Okoye a straight red card without the need for Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.

The dismissal quickly changed the game, as Fiorentina took full advantage of their numerical edge. Rolando Mandragora opened the scoring in the 21st minute, Albert Guðmundsson doubled the lead in the 42nd minute, and Cher Ndour made it 3–0 in first-half added time, with substitute goalkeeper Nicolo Fortini in goal for Udinese.

Fiorentina extended their lead early in the second half when Kean scored in the 56th minute. Udinese pulled one goal back through Oumar Solet in the 66th minute, but Kean struck again three minutes later to complete the rout and seal a 5–1 victory for the hosts.

After the match, Okoye expressed his regret on social media. Writing on Snapchat, he said: “I’m sorry, Bianconeri.”

Okoye, who had been expected to be part of the Super Eagles squad for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, had earlier opted out of the team amid reports he was unhappy with a backup role behind first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

The red card could see Okoye suspended for up to three Serie A matches, with the goalkeeper set to miss Udinese’s final game of the year against Lazio on 27 December.

The win was Fiorentina’s first of the Serie A season after 16 matches, having previously recorded nine defeats and six draws.