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Sports News of Thursday, 16 May 2024

Source: goal.com

Watch the reckless tackle that got Reece James a straight card in Chelsea's win over Brighton

Reece James will be suspended for the final game of the season against Bournemouth Reece James will be suspended for the final game of the season against Bournemouth

Injury-plagued Chelsea captain Reece James set a quite ridiculous record after being sent off against Brighton on Wednesday.

James, who has been limited to just 10 Premier League appearances this season due to repeated hamstring injuries which ultimately required surgery, came on as a substitute against Brighton on Wednesday.

However, shortly after his introduction he was sent off for kicking out at striker Joao Pedro after a foul, with the referee brandishing a straight red card following a VAR check.

As a result of his red card, James is now the player with the joint-most red cards in the Premier League this season.

It is made all the more remarkable by the fact that he has only played 422 minutes - the equivalent of just under five full games.

Two other players have received two red cards this season: Tottenham's Yves Bissouma and Sheffield United's Oli McBurnie. James is not the only Chelsea player to be sent off this season, however - Conor Gallagher and Malo Gusto have also seen red.

James will be suspended for the final game of the season against Bournemouth on Sunday, and that ban could carry over into next season.

The Blues are currently sixth but if they beat the Cherries they could leapfrog Spurs into fifth, but they would need Ange Postecoglou's side to lose to bottom club Sheffield United.