Republic of Ireland international Evan Ferguson played a big role in Roma's derby victory over fierce rivals Lazio, angering the Lazio fans and helping his side to a 1-0 win.
The 20-year-old was named in the starting line-up as Roma won their first away derby against Lazio in Serie A since 2016.
Roma controlled the early stages and Ferguson was instrumental in their efforts, holding up the ball and bringing others into play against a well drilled Lazio defence.
The winning goal came 38th minute when the hosts were caught off guard following a sharp Roma attack and Roma capitalised when Lorenzo Pellegrini found space at the edge of the area and curled a precise strike beyond the goalkeeper.
The remainder of the match saw Lazio push forward, trying to force an equaliser, but they lacked clear‑cut chances. Their best efforts were snuffed out by a composed Roma defence.
Ferguson was withdrawn in the 66th minute and frustrated Lazio as he was clearly not in a hurry to leave the pitch for a substitution.
The on-loan Brighton striker riled the Lazio players and fans with midfielder Reda Belahyane pushing Ferguson, with Luca Pellegrini and Danilo Cataldi urging him to hurry up while complaining the referee.
Belahyane's temper continued to show as Lazio were frustrated in their attempts to find an equaliser and he was shown a red card in the 86th minute for a late studs-up challenge on Manu Kone.
Former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi was also shown a red card for Lazio, this one coming after the final whistle as tempers flared.
