Juan Mata Receives Red Card vs. West Brom: Latest Details and Reaction

Manchester United's Juan Mata picked up two bookings in two minutes against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday and was sent off in the first half.

The Spaniard was needlessly booked in the 24th minute for preventing the Baggies from taking a free-kick.

Two minutes later, he earned his second yellow card and saw red for a wild challenge on Darren Fletcher.

PA Images captured the moment:

As Sky Sports Statto noted, it was the first red card of the playmaker's career:

Bleacher Report UK were among those shocked that a player with Mata's affable reputation saw red:

So, too, was Stuart Mathieson of the Manchester Evening News:

The Press Association's Simon Peach was in agreement that Mata deserved his fate:

Rob Dawson of the MEN was somewhat more sympathetic to the midfielder's plight:

As was to be expected, there was plenty of fun had at his expense on social media, with betting company Coral and JOE.co.uk getting in on the act:

Football writer Liam Canning wryly noted that it should make Mata's weekly blog more exciting:

Mata will now miss United's match with West Ham United at Old Trafford, but he will be available for their UEFA Europa League clashes with Liverpool and return in time for the all-important Manchester derby on March 20.