Anthony Nwakeme was on target in Trabzonspor comprehensive victory over Rizespor in the Super Lig, but former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi saw red in the encounter.
In his 17th league appearance for the club, the former Chelsea star was sent off in the 90th minute of the encounter for a second bookable offence.
Mikel picked up his first yellow card in the 78th minute following an argument with the referee before he was given his marching orders for a handball.
Nevertheless, his dismissal did not affect Trabzonspor as they thrashed the Karadeniz Atmacası at the Şenol Güneş Stadium.
Dario Melnjak opened the scoring for the visitors in the 36th minute, but Manuel Da Costa drew the Karadeniz Fırtınası level 20 minutes into the second half.
Caleb Ekuban gave Trabzonspor the lead five minutes later before Jose Sosa’s penalty in the 77th minute extended the lead.
Nigeria international, Anthony Nwakeme made it four for Hüseyin Çimşir’s men four minutes from time. It was Nwakeme’s 12th goal in all competitions for Trabzonspor this campaign.
However, in the 90th minute, Mikel was dismissed for a handball inside the penalty area, and Milan Skoda converted from the spot.
But Badou Ndiaye crushed any hopes of a Rizespor comeback as he scored Trabzonspor’s fifth in the eighth minute of added time.
The win lifts Hüseyin Çimşir’s men into the top spot with 48 points, two points ahead of Istanbul Basaksehir who sit in second place.
