Former Watford striker Troy Deeney's Baller League debut ended in controversy last night as he was sent off after barging an opponent.
The 36-year-old was a wildcard pick for Wembley Rangers, managed by Arsenal legend Ian Wright and England star Chloe Kelly.
"When Uncle Wrighty calls, you pick up," Deeney joked on the broadcast as he made his footballing return.
His appearance quickly turned sour when he received a red card following an altercation with Tareiq Holmes-Dennis.
Troy Deeney was sent off after barging an opponent off the ball
SkySports
Deeney, visibly frustrated with Wembley Rangers trailing, shoved Holmes-Dennis in the back after losing the ball.
Holmes-Dennis responded by attempting to jump on Deeney's back, escalating the situation.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg immediately showed Deeney a red card for the challenge.
The incident sparked a melee between both teams, with players from both sides becoming involved in the confrontation.
Sky Sports' Patrick Rowe commented: "New game but same old Deeney. Not his first rogue challenge of the evening and that one sparked a bit of a melee."
Wembley Rangers ultimately suffered a 4-3 defeat to FC RTW in the matchday five fixture at the Copper Box Arena.
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Deeney's dismissal certainly didn't help his team's cause as they fell to their opponents, managed by social media personality Clint.
Wright and Kelly had hoped their wildcard selection would reinforce their front line and provide a boost to the team.
The match was part of the fifth round of fixtures in the new Baller League, which features teams led by celebrities and football legends including Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.
"He's sent off for the challenge and can have no complaints. It was late and he made no attempt for the ball," Rowe added.
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Troy Deeney was sent off on his debut for the club
Sky Sports
The Baller League's social media account posted: "Troy Deeney's warming up for Wrestlemania!"
Fans were equally unimpressed, with one commenting: "Nothing says begging to stay relevant by getting sent off in the B-Tec Masters."
Another added: "Troy Deeney acting like a muppet? I for one am astounded?"
It was Deeney's first competitive appearance since featuring for Forest Green Rovers in December 2023.
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RED CARD FOR TROY DEENEY! 🟥
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 21, 2025
Tempers flare between Deeney and Holmes-Dennis 😬 pic.twitter.com/tOOaisDeVS
FC RTW boss Clint419 was measured in his assessment of the match, saying: "It's alright. I am satisfied but not ecstatic. We could have played better."
He added: "It was a late challenge but we showed heart. We treat every game as the game it is on that day."
The incident marks Deeney's first involvement in football since he was sacked as Forest Green Rovers manager in January 2024.
During his brief managerial career, Deeney failed to win any of his six matches in charge.
