This Day in History: 2023-05-04

Nr. 450

MULLERY’S UNWELCOME RECORD (1968)

A moment of madness in Italy put a major stain on the footballing CV of England’s Alan Mullery – and England’s international record. The no-nonsense midfielder boiled over in a European Championship semi-final against Yugoslavia on 5 June and he became the first England player to be sent off in a full international. A kick by Trivic was the final straw after Mullery had endured 89 minutes of persistent fouling. He retaliated and was sent off a minute from the end of the game. Yugoslavia won 1-0, ending the World Cup winners’ bid for a second major title in two years, and England had to be satisfied with third place in the tournament.

England midfielder Alan Mullery trudges back to the dressing room after being sent off in the final minute of England’s 1-0 defeat.