Arjan Malić receives red card in Sturm Graz vs. Ried match

Bosnian international Arjan Malić was issued a direct red card during the first half of the Austrian Bundesliga match between SK Sturm Graz and SV Ried. The incident occurred during stoppage time of the first half when Malić struck an opponent, Jaedon Rhodes, in the back with his elbow. Following a VAR review by referee Safak Barmaksiz, the dismissal was confirmed.

SK Sturm Graz has publicly contested the decision, labeling it “more than controversial” and “highly debatable” on social media. The red card left Sturm Graz playing with ten men for the duration of the second half.

The match ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw. Simon Seidl opened the scoring for Sturm Graz in the 31st minute, but SV Ried equalized via a Philipp Pomer penalty in stoppage time. Ried took a 2-1 lead in the 55th minute through Isaac Kiese-Thelin, before Belmin Beganovic secured a draw for Sturm Graz in the 92nd minute.