Liverpool's record-breaking acquisition Alexander Isak experienced a turbulent return to international football following his contentious £130 million switch from Newcastle United.
The 25-year-old forward made his first appearance since completing the transfer when he entered Sweden's World Cup qualifier against Kosovo as a late replacement.
Manager Jon Dahl Tomasson introduced Isak with 18 minutes remaining, hoping the striker could rescue Sweden from a two-goal deficit at the Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri.
The forward's involvement marked his initial match action after forcing an exit from Newcastle through strike action to secure his move to Anfield, establishing himself as Liverpool's most expensive signing.
Alexander Isak got into a heated argument with Aliti
|REUTERS
The striker's involvement quickly turned sour when he received a caution merely nine minutes after his introduction. His booking stemmed from an altercation with Kosovo defender Fidan Aliti, during which the Swedish international was observed gripping his opponent's jersey in a heated confrontation.
The incident occurred whilst Sweden desperately sought a route back into the match, having fallen behind to strikes from Elvis Rexhbecaj and Vedat Muriqi.
JUST IN: Fred Vasseur stunned by Lewis Hamilton's treatment from Ferrari fans at Italian Grand Prix
Isak's brief appearance failed to produce the impact Sweden required, as Kosovo maintained their advantage to secure their first points in the qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory.
The physical confrontation between Isak and Aliti erupted during Sweden's attempts to mount a comeback in the closing stages.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
The heated exchange came as Sweden lost
|REUTERS
Kosovo had established control through goals from Rexhbecaj and Muriqi, leaving the visitors struggling to respond.
Sweden's defeat dropped them to third position in Group B, trailing both Kosovo and group leaders Switzerland. The result marked a disappointing outcome for the Scandinavian side, who had hoped Isak's introduction might spark a late revival.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Evangelos Marinakis' preferred option to replace Nuno Espirito Santo as Nottingham Forest boss revealed
- Carlos Alcaraz nearly walks out of interview after Aryna Sabalenka blunder following US Open win
- Harry Kane announces England players will walk off the field if subjected to racist abuse from Serbia fans
The striker had been an unused substitute during Sweden's previous fixture against Slovenia, with manager Tomasson citing fitness concerns.
"He had only done three training sessions with the team," Tomasson explained to Viaplay, adding that the forward "had no pre-season with the team and of course no playing time."
The manager acknowledged that "the risk was probably a bit too great to use him" in the Slovenia match, highlighting ongoing concerns about the striker's match readiness.
Alexander Isak was booked for his role in the confrontation | REUTERS Liverpool supporters may witness their new signing's debut at Turf Moor when the Reds face Burnley on Sunday.
The Swedish international, who netted 23 Premier League goals for Newcastle last season, attracted interest from Arne Slot's squad based on that impressive tally.
Competition for starting positions remains fierce at Anfield, with summer arrival Hugo Ekitike already establishing himself through two goals in three Premier League appearances for the Merseyside club.