FORMER Celtic defender Glenn Loovens was left red-faced during Sheffield Wednesday’s 3-1 home flop against Birmingham.
The Dutch centre-back was hooked in the 26th minute with his side already two goals down.
Hillsborough boss Jos Luhukay didn’t hesitate to make the change as Loovens departed and striker Lucas Joao was introduced.
However, the bold move could not bring a switch in fortune and, remarkably, the Owls finished with nine men after the double ordering-off of Marco Matias and Daniel Pudil.
Luhukay said: “It was a disappointing day for us. Whatever can go wrong, did in the first-half.
“We went two goals behind where we made very big mistakes.
“After that, we also had the first red card. I don’t know what the referee has seen from that situation.
“From my position, it was just a hot moment between two players. But the referee decided for the red card so for us, it was very hard.”
Wednesday were struggling in the opening 20 minutes after strikes from David Davis and Jota put the visitors in control.
Matias was dismissed for an off-the-ball incident and Jota tapped in his second just before half-time.
Sub Joao pulled one back, but Pudil was sent packing after a second bookable offence and the Yorkshire club are now without a league win since Boxing Day.
City gaffer Steve Cotterill said: “We were really pleased with our first-half performance.
“Second-half, when they came out, they had nothing to lose then, so we don’t need to bet the ranch and go on and get a load of goals.
“All in all, we’ve had some things go against us this season. Maybe in the second half of the season those things are going to come back and be on our side.”
