UEFA justify red card for Juventus defender Kelly in Galatasaray defeat | OneFootball

UEFA have issued an official explanation for the red card shown to Lloyd Kelly during Juventus’ Champions League last-16 second leg against Galatasaray, after the decision sparked considerable controversy on a dramatic night at the Allianz Stadium.

Juventus had produced a remarkable comeback to lead 3-0 on the night, level on aggregate, before the tie ultimately slipped away in extra time, with Victor Osimhen and Yilmaz scoring to send Galatasaray through.

But the pivotal moment arrived just three minutes into the second half, when Kelly was dismissed after referee João Pinheiro was called to the pitchside monitor by VAR.

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Lloyd Kelly of Juventus FC reacts after receiving a red card during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)

UEFA: Juventus defender Kelly made ‘strong unfair contact’

The defender had originally been shown a second yellow card for the challenge, but following the VAR review, the booking was upgraded to a straight red, meaning Kelly will serve a two-match European ban rather than one.

The incident itself saw Kelly jump to contest a header and, upon landing, make contact with Yilmaz’s left ankle with his studs in what appeared to many observers to be an accidental collision in real time.

UEFA’s disciplinary note, however, left little room for debate.

“Using his studs, the Juventus player made a strong unfair contact with the opponent’s left ankle which clearly endangered the safety of his opponent,” the governing body stated.

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray in action against Lloyd Kelly during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)

Juventus Director of Football Strategy Giorgio Chiellini addressed the decision after the final whistle, though his words reflected a broader frustration with the club’s luck in recent weeks. “The team showed real character and sent a message,” he told Prime Video.

“There is regret and disappointment. We are not having much luck with these moments right now. Kelly’s red card? There is little to say about it.”