Chris Smalling scored an own goal and was sent off in an utterly forgettable debut for new club Al Fayha in the Saudi Pro League.

The centre-back made his first start for the Al Fayha on Saturday following his summer transfer from Roma.

Smalling conceded an own-goal just minutes into his Al Fayha debut@BabaGol_ X

However, he scored an own goal just six minutes into the match when a low cross came off his leg and into the top corner.

Al Fayha conceded another two goals before half time and were then reduced to ten men early in the second half.

Smalling was shown a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, with Al Raed netting on two more occasions to seal their first league win of the season.

The 34-year-old’s nightmare debut has sparked comparisons with former Leeds, Newcastle and England defender Jonathan Woodgate, who scored an own goal and was sent off on his Real Madrid debut in 2005.

However, that’s where the similarity ends with Real Madrid going on to win that game against Athletic Bilbao 3-1.

For Al Fayha though, it’s their third consecutive defeat in the Saudi Pro League and they have now conceded a total of ten goals.

Summer signing Smalling will be hopeful of delivering an improved performance upon his return to the side from suspension.

He’s playing outside of Europe for the first time in his career, which started at Maidstone United.

Smalling then completed a move to Fulham in 2008 before signing for Manchester United at the beginning of 2010.

He made 323 appearances in all competitions for the club and won two Premier League titles, as well as the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Europa League.

Smalling cut a disappointed figure after a difficult start@BabaGol_ X

However, he was then sent off for denying a goal scoring opportunity@TotalFootbol X

After nine-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, during which he scored 18 goals, Smalling left for Serie A as he signed for Roma.

Further success came his way in the Italian capital as he helped them win the inaugural Europa Conference League.

Smalling featured 155 times for Roma and netted ten goals during his four-year stint, which saw him play under his former United boss Jose Mourinho.

The defender wrote an emotional message to their fans on Instagram in September when his exit to Al Fayha was completed.

“May 25, 2022 – What a magical night! Lift a European trophy with the AS Roma shirt and receive the Man of the Match award from you. The word ‘pride’ is not enough to explain what I’ve felt.

“The noise and passion from the fans that night was indescribable. I’m convinced there isn’t another fan base in the world that can match that energy. It has been an absolute privilege to experience this kind of passion and excitement week after week for the last 5 seasons.

“When we arrived in Rome in 2019, my family and I were greeted with kindness and warmth. You immediately made me feel at home in Rome. With the birth of my son, the city will forever have a special place in my heart. But all the good stories are bound to end and it’s time for me to let go. My love and admiration for AS Roma will remain forever.

“To the football players I’ve shared the locker room and the field with, to the coaches I’ve played with, to all the staff who work behind the scenes whose work often goes unnoticed, and to you the fans, THANK YOU SO MUCH: it has been an absolute honor. Good luck for the rest of the season. See you, LET’S GO ROME.”