Socceroos defender Bailey Wright's first league match for Sunderland could not have been more action-packed in a 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers.
Wright, who played for the Black Cats on loan last season but only joined on permanent terms a few weeks ago, was at the centre of a chaotic half-time period in Sunderland's league opener.
Wright - who was already on a yellow card - brought down Rovers striker Brandon Hanlan in the 49th minute of the game when the Rover appeared to be nearly through on goal.
It caused the referee to pull a second yellow card out of his pocket to send Wright off, but after frantically talking it over with the referee, Wright managed to convince him to let him stay on the pitch.
Wright - who was a walking red card waiting to happen by that point - was then withdrawn soon after by Sunderland, who went on to score an equaliser in the 82nd minute.
“I think the turning point in the second half was the foul on Brandon Hanlan by Bailey Wright,” Rovers coach Ben Garner said.
“The referee gets a yellow card out of his pocket and in his hands, and for whatever reason after chatting with Bailey Wright he puts it away and changes his mind.
“That would have been a big moment in the game if they go down to 10 and we get the momentum. As it was, the momentum swung their way and they started playing really well."
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