Pepe Reina endured a nightmare end to his professional career as he was sent off in his final game before retirement.

Reina, 42, revealed earlier this week that he was set to hang up his gloves after an illustrious career of more than 1,000 matches.

The Liverpool legend, who made 394 appearances for the Reds, was playing his 13th game of the season for Como after joining the Serie A outfit last summer.

Disaster struck for Reina on the stroke of half-time when he ran outside the penalty area but was beaten to the ball by Mehdi Taremi.

The Spaniard clipped the heel of the Inter striker and Reina subsequently received a red card following a VAR check. 

Liverpool legend Pepe Reina (left), 42, was sent off in his final ever game before retirement 

Reina was adjudged to have clipped Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi following a VAR check

Reina (top left) had announced earlier this week that he would be retiring after Friday’s game

The 42-year-old, who was captaining Como on the night, looked devastated as he remonstrated with referee Davide Massa.

It did appear to be a slightly harsh call given Taremi was going away from goal and there was a covering defender.

But, despite the ignominy of his final game ending in a red card, Reina received a standing ovation from supporters and both sets of players as he left the pitch before he was consoled by Como boss Cesc Fabregas.

He was later lifted into the air by his Como team-mates and given another warm reception by their fans. 

Inter went on to win the game 2-0, but it wasn’t enough as Napoli’s 2-0 victory against Cagliari ensured Antonio Conte’s side would be taking home the Serie A title. 

Reina came through Barcelona’s academy and made his debut for the club in 2000, before he joined Villarreal in 2002.

After impressing there, Reina moved on to Liverpool three years later. He would go on to spend eight years with the Reds, making 394 appearances across all competitions.

The Spanish shot-stopper will always be remembered fondly by Liverpool fans for his heroics in two penalty shootouts that helped the club win major silverware.

Reina appeared devastated after learning of the decision and remonstrated with the referee

On his way off the pitch, the former Spain keeper was consoled by Como boss Cesc Fabregas

He received a standing ovation from the ground and both sets of players after his red card

Reina was later lifted up by his team-mates and given a warm reception by the Como fans

Reina (second left) earned legendary status for his role in two cups wins while at Liverpool

He saved three spot-kicks in Liverpool’s dramatic 2006 FA Cup final win over West Ham, and was also in goal when the Reds overcame Cardiff City on penalties in the 2012 League Cup final.

Reina won 36 international caps for Spain, and was part of the squads that won two European Championships in 2008 and 2012, either side of the World Cup in 2010.

The majority of his prime years came at Anfield, but he also played for Italian giants Napoli, AC Milan and Lazio, and enjoyed brief spells at Bayern Munich and Aston Villa. 

After calling time on his playing career, Reina will move into coaching. He is set to return to his homeland to take charge of Villarreal’s Under-19s next season.

When announcing his decision earlier this week, Reina had said:  ‘A very beautiful career is coming to an end, a very full life. I feel very fortunate for what I’ve experienced. 

‘It’s been many years… I didn’t expect it, but I think the time has come and I feel like bringing it to a close here.’