Forgotten ex-England and Premier League star, 33, unrecognisable with top knot as he’s sent off using new VAR protocol

A FORMER Premier League star was sent off following a VAR trial in Australia this week.

The 33-year-old defender was playing for Sydney FC in an A-League match against Central Coast Mariners when a high challenge was reviewed by the referee.

GettyA former Premier League defender was sent off in a unique VAR check this week[/caption]

GettyThe referee addressed the crowd and players before brandishing the red card[/caption]

After visiting the pitchside monitor, as part of a trial, the official addressed both the players AND the crowd to explain his decision and how he came to it.

The whistler said: “After review, contact was above the ankle, studs to the shin, it is a red card.”

Fans took to social media to react to the unique VAR protocol, with some suggesting it should be brought into the Premier League.

However, others were more in disbelief after realising who the player was who’d been given their marching orders.

Former Manchester City, Everton and Sunderland star Jack Rodwell saw red after making the high challenge.

But some fans struggled to recognise him due to his dramatic hairstyle change.

The defender is now sporting a top knot – completely different to the shaved look from his Man City and Sunderland days.

Rodwell kicked off his career with Everton back in 2007 after coming through the club’s academy.

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Paramount+Jack Rodwell was the man sent off for Sydney[/caption]

GettyThe ex-Man City star is now sporting a new look[/caption]

Getty Images – GettyRodwell formerly played for Man City[/caption]

Rodwell’s career path

Everton (2007-12)

Rodwell came through Everton’s academy before makign 109 senior appearances for the club. He was heavily praised by then-manager David Moyes after breaking into the first team.

Man City (2012-14)

The defender joined City in a £12million transfer from Everton in 2012. He made his debut just a few weeks later but quickly fell down the pecking order after suffering an injury. He was then limited to just 25 appearances. He did, however, win the Premier League and a League Cup with the Cityzens.

Sunderland (2014-18)

Rodwell’s time at Sunderland coincided with the club’s back-to-back relegations from the Premier League, meaning he received some heavy criticism from fans. Recalling the latter stages of his time with the club, Rodwell said: “I was in the process of getting thrown under the bus for being in the building. Everyone inside the club will tell you I wasn’t a bad lad. I did everything that was asked of me and more whereas other players wouldn’t have.”

Blackburn Rovers (2018-19)

The former England star was limited to just 22 appearances for Blackburn. He left at the end of his contract despite being offered a new deal.

Sheffield United (2020-21)

A month after beginning to train with the team, Rodwell officially joined Sheffield United. However, his arrival coincided with the coronavirus pandemic meaning he made just two appearances before being released.

Western Sydney Wanderers (2021-22)

Speaking upon his arrival at the club, Rodwell told The Athletic: “I’m here to win trophies and play in the AFC Champions League. I’m not coming here to take it easy. I want to be the best player in the league.”

He went on to make 14 appearances.

Sydney FC (2022-Now)

Rodwell joined Sydney FC on a two-year deal in 2022 and has since made 24 appearances.

He went on to make 109 senior appearances for the Toffees, scoring eight goals.

In 2007 he joined Man City and spent two years at the Etihad, making 25 appearances across all competitions.

The centre-back then joined Sunderland and spent four years at the club before joining Blackburn Rovers.

His final season in England was spent with Sheffield United, but he was limited to just two appearances in 18 months.

Rodwell then moved to Australia to join Western Sydney Wanderers for a year.

He made a gradual return to first team football before then transferring to Sydney FC in 2022.

Rodwell was capped three times by England earlier in his career.

His senior debut for the Three Lions came in November 2011.

England’s starting XI on Rodwell’s debut – the defender replaced Phil Jones