Reece James may finally be fully fit – but he will still miss the start of next season through suspension.
The Chelsea captain was shown a straight red card in Wednesday night’s 2-1 win away at Brighton for kicking out at Joao Pedro.
Just 19 minutes after coming off the bench, the right-back, whose season is now over after just nine Premier League matches, was dismissed in the closing stages at the Amex Stadium.
The 24-year-old reacted angrily to a challenge from Pedro, where he then proceeded to kick out at the Brazilian from the ground.
Referee Michael Salisbury was called over to the pitchside monitor following VAR intervention, where he brandished James with a straight red card.
And due to James already being shown a red card in the 4-1 defeat at Newcastle earlier in the season, he will now miss four matches.
That will see him ruled out of the final Premier League clash of the campaign against Bournemouth on Sunday, and the first three next term.
Chelsea fans were quick to voice their anger on social media, as one X user vented: “Reece James what a stupid stupid boy, petulance at its best.”
Another posted: “It’s f****** stupid from Reece James, there’s absolutely no point.”
A third added: “Embarrassing from Reece James. Absolutely no need to do that ffs.”
This fan then messaged: “That is ridiculous from Reece James. Inexcusable.”
And this fuming Chelsea supporter said: “This is awful from Reece James, a captain. He could have cost us the match.”
Meanwhile one simply stated: “Brain dead from Reece James.”
James’ moment of madness threatened to see Chelsea throw away all points.
At the time of his sending off, Chelsea were 2-0 up heading into stoppage time, only for Danny Welbeck to halve the deficit in his absence.
The Seagulls were unable to find the equaliser, with the Blues leapfrogging Newcastle up into sixth spot in the table.
And they could finish if fifth providing they beat the Cherries on Sunday and Tottenham lose away at Sheffield United.
News Summary:
- Chelsea captain Reece James to miss start of next season after ‘stupid’ red card just 19 minutes after coming on
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