Mario Balotelli Sent Off as Inter Milan Draw with Rubin Kazan

Serie A giants held to a 1-1 draw in Europa League opener

Balotelli sees red for dissent in second half

Inter Milan were held to a 1-1 draw by Rubin Kazan in their Europa League opener on Thursday, with Mario Balotelli sent off in the second half.

The Italian striker was shown a straight red card for dissent after arguing with the referee, leaving his team to play the final 20 minutes with 10 men.

Inter had taken the lead through Lautaro Martinez in the first half, but Rubin Kazan equalised through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the second half.

The draw leaves Inter in second place in Group F, behind Rapid Wien who beat Sparta Prague 2-0 in the other game.

Balotelli's red card

Balotelli was sent off in the 69th minute after arguing with the referee over a decision.

The Italian was unhappy with the referee's decision to award Rubin Kazan a free kick, and he continued to argue with the official after the whistle was blown.

The referee eventually showed Balotelli a straight red card, leaving Inter to play the final 20 minutes with 10 men.

Inter's performance

Inter were the better team in the first half and took the lead through Lautaro Martinez in the 32nd minute.

The Argentine striker latched onto a through ball from Nicolò Barella and finished coolly past the Rubin Kazan goalkeeper.

However, Rubin Kazan equalised in the second half through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The Georgian winger took advantage of a mistake from Inter defender Stefan de Vrij to score a fine goal.

Inter pushed for a winner in the final stages but were unable to find a way through the Rubin Kazan defence.

What's next?

Inter will host Rapid Wien in their next Europa League game on October 22.

They will then travel to Sampdoria in Serie A on October 25.