Alisson sent off twice in Brazil draw with Ecuador – and saved both times by VAR

Alisson was twice sent off and reprieved by VAR in Brazil’s wild and chaotic 1-1 draw with Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier.

The Liverpool goalkeeper somehow managed to complete the game in Quito, during which two players were given their marching orders inside the opening 20 minutes.

Casemiro put Brazil ahead in the fifth minute when he hammered home from close range after a goalmouth scramble before the red cards started coming out. The Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Domínguez was sent off for a reckless challenge before the Tottenham right-back Emerson Royal was dismissed for a second yellow card following a clumsy challenge.

Alisson was handed his first lifeline on the the half-hour when he caught Enner Valencia in the face with a high boot. The referee was sent to the pitchside monitor and downgraded the initial red card to yellow after replays showed the keeper had kicked the ball first.

VAR saves Alisson from being this game's third red card! ❌It's downgraded to a yellow card by the referee, the Liverpool keeper stays on, and it's still 10 v 10