CESC FABREGAS was sent off just 30 minutes into Monaco's first game of the Ligue 1 season for a controversial challenge on Lyon defender Leo Dubois.
The referee used VAR to have another glance at the incident before giving the former Arsenal and Chelsea star his marching orders.
Monaco were already 1-0 down through an early opener from Moussa Dembele.
But things got worse when Fabregas stamped on the back of Dubois' leg at the half hour mark.
The official initially showed the Spanish midfielder a yellow card for the challenge.
But, having used VAR, he decided to send the 32-year-old off.
Fabregas and his team-mates protested vehemently as the former Premier League star insisted the contact was unintentional.
And replays showed the Spaniard was indeed looking away when committing the foul.
But he was thrown out nevertheless and Monaco went on to lose the game 3-0.
Former Manchester United ace Memphis Depay doubled Lyon's lead six minutes after the incident.
And Lucas Tousart then settled the result ten minutes from time.
Monaco's turmoil seems to continue after the Ligue 1 side miraculously avoided the drop last season.
They finished two points clear off the relegation zone – having sacked Leonardo Jardim and then bringing him back to replace Thierry Henry three months after.
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