AS Roma 2 Fulham 1: Two Dismissed After Diomansy Kamara Penalty

Erik Nevland was sent off just four minutes after coming on as a substitute - and it cost Fulham dearly as they surrendered a one-goal lead in Rome.

Roy Hodgson had seen his men produce a fantastic first half showing and they led through a Diomansy Kamara penalty, following a trip on Clint Dempsey in the box.

But Nevland replaced Kamara at the break and quickly received his marching orders for a trip on Daniel De Rossi. The decision seemed harsh and changed the game as Roma showed little sentiment. John Arne Riise's drive deflected in off of his brother Bjorn Helge Riise to level the scores - and then Stefano Okaka headed the winner.

Fulham ended the match with nine men as Paul Konchesky was also shown a red card in injury time.



REACTION:
Both sets of players seemed stunned by referee Kevin Blom's dismissal of Nevland - and manager Hodgson admitted he could not understand the red card

He said: "We thought it was a harsh decision and changed the nature of the game. But whatever I say will make no difference, it is the referee who makes decisions. Up to that point we were doing well but it was never going to be easy with ten men against a good team.

"The overall performance was good and will not be forgotten by us, that's for sure. This competition is helping us grow as a team and we will look to build on the good parts of this game in the Premier League."

Fulham's Konchesky was also sent off in the closing minutes, while Stephen Kelly was dismissed in the home encounter against Roma two weeks ago.

Fulham regard them all as harsh decisions which have left them fighting for their life as they aim to make it through to the knockout stages of this competition.

Hodgson added: "We have had three players sent off in two games - but I have not seen one red card offence."


HOW IT HAPPENED:
Fulham showed no fear as they stepped into a half-empty Stadio Olympico and their attacking intent paid off early on as Kamara converted from the penalty spot. Roma looked out of sorts defensively as their communication was poor, and Kamara should have scored again before half-time when he headed the wrong side of the post.

It all went wrong for Fulham after half-time as Nevland was sent off and Roma increased the intensity of their play. Their superior possession paid off when Riise's shot was deflected home and then Okaka headed in to make it 2-1. Fulham worked so hard and were unlucky.

WHAT IT MEANS:
Fulham are really up against it if they are to make it through to the knockout stages. Roma have leapfrogged them in the group standings as the defeat leaves Fulham third with two games to go. Hodgson will be devastated that it has come to this because his players have been tremendous in the Europa League.

QUOTABLE:
"If we play with 11 men we will have half a chance in the next two games ."
Manager Roy Hodgson uses sarcasm as he describes Fulham's chances of making it through.

AS ROMA 2 (Riise 69, Okaka 76) FULHAM 1 (Kamara 19)

PLAYER MARKING:
Roma (4-4-2): Doni 5 (Sergio 46, 6), Cassetti 6, Mexes 7, Andreolli 5, Riise 7; Cicinho 5 (Taddei 46,7), Pizarro 6, De Rossi 6, Guberti 7 (Menez 66, 6); Okaka Chuka 8, Julio Baptista 5.
Subs not used: Motta, Perrotta, Cerci, Brighi, Menez.

Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer 7, Pantsil 6, Hughes 7, Hangeland 7, Konchesky 9; Riise 7 (Zamora 70, 6), Etuhu 7 (Baird 76, 6), Greening 8, Gera 7; Kamara 7 (Nevland 46, 2), Dempsey 7 .
Subs not used: Stockdale, Smalling, Davies, Anderson.

ATTENDANCE: 23,561

NEXT UP:
- Wigan v Fulham (Away), Premier League, 08/11, 1500 GMT

MAN OF THE MATCH:
Paul Konchesky (Fulham): On an evening when Fulham were really up against it, their full-back produced one of his best displays in a white shirt and did not deserve to end it with a red card. He was first to every ball on the flank, even when Fulham were a man down, and to finish this game was so unfortunate with his head bowed after a red card that was harsh in the extreme.