Arsenal followers left baffled after former wonderkid is shipped off after 24 minutes for Bromley

Arsenal fans were left baffled on Saturday afternoon when they saw one of their former defender’s sent off after just 24 minutes for League Two Bromley.

Back in 2011, the Gunners signed then promising 19-year-old defender Carl Jenkinson from Charlton for around £1million. After not being expected to play much of a part in the Arsenal first team at such a young age, injuries led to him being thrust into the Gunners starting XI.

He played in the Champions League for Arsenal in August 2011, before being part of the now infamous side who were dismantled by Manchester United 8-2 at Old Trafford. And in total, he would only go on to make 70 appearances for Arsenal over eight seasons.

Back in September, it was announced Jenkinson, a one time England international, had signed for League Two side Bromley Town. But, on Saturday afternoon, the now 32-year-old was handed his marching orders in the first half after just 24 minutes.

The ex-Arsenal star was sent off for two bookings in Bromley’s clash with Cheltenham Town, which finished 1-1. However, that did not stop football fans on social media from having their say on Jenkinson’s sending off.

One fan wrote: “He won’t play for us for quite a while, just can’t do that in our position and at our level.” A second said: “2 yellows inside 23 minutes is nasty work.” A third added: “Don’t care if it’s bad officiating, two yellow cards in the first 20 mins with his experience is total idiocy. Prat.”

A fourth commented: “Utter idiocy after the first yellow.”And a fifth said: “How this guy is in our squad let alone the starting 11 is beyond me…” Prior to the clash against Cheltenham, Jenkinson had made just two appearances for Bromley, playing a combined 27 minutes for Andy Woodman’s side, who sit 19th in League Two.