Marc Cucurella’s first-half red card probably cost Chelsea the chance to beat Fulham on Wednesday.
Cucurella was shown a straight red by the referee, Peter Bankes, for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
He pulled down Harry Wilson just outside the penalty area as the last line of defence from a Fulham counter-attack.
Not only did it limit Chelsea’s ability to win the game, but it also raised more questions about the team’s discipline.
The Blues have received five red cards in the Premier League this season, two more than any other club.
Interim manager Calum McFarlane has shared his verdict on whether Cucurella’s red proved that Chelsea have a discipline problem.
- READ MORE: Liam Rosenior will be a hit with the Chelsea fans after what he was spotted doing at Fulham
Marc Cucurella’s red card vs Fulham was Chelsea’s fifth in the Premier League this season! 🔴
How does Liam Rosenior solve Chelsea's disciplinary problem?
Chelsea players to have been sent off:
- Marc Cucurella
- Moises Caicedo
- Malo Gusto
- Trevoh Chalobah
- Robert Sanchez
Calum McFarlane’s generous take on Marc Cucurella’s red card
McFarlane defended Cucurella in his post-match press conference, suggesting that his red card did not show a lack of discipline.
He told Sky Sports: “Discipline an issue? I don’t think the red card is a discipline issue; it’s just a one-vs-one, and he’s been brought down in that situation.
“Rather than discipline, it’s looking at the structure and why we’re getting countered one-vs-one.
“It’s not like it’s a high tackle, aggressive tackle, or dangerous tackle. It’s a one-vs-one moment. It’s more structural than discipline.”
However, Chelsea fans will disagree with McFarlane’s assessment, which detracts blame from Cucurella for making a shocking decision.
There was no need to bring Wilson down when it would obviously result in a red card, especially so early in the game.
His mistake did indeed show a lack of discipline – an issue that has plagued the Blues throughout the season.
Also, Enzo Fernandez, Tosin Adarabioyo and Cole Palmer should be embarrassed that they all received yellow cards for dissent immediately after the incident.
One player can be excused for arguing with the referee, but for all three to do it showed ridiculous naivety.
What must Liam Rosenior fix first? 😡
Not good enough…
Calum McFarlane reflects on Chelsea’s defeat vs Fulham
Calum McFarlane admitted that Marc Cucurella’s red card ruined Chelsea’s game plan to beat Fulham.
Still, the Blues did well to stay in the game and equalise through Liam Delap in the 72nd minute.
That’s why McFarlane was “proud” of his team’s effort even though they unfortunately came unstuck with less than 10 minutes to go.
“We got into our rhythm probably a minute before the sending off, and it makes the game really difficult,” he reflected. “These things happen, and you have to react.
“Going 1-0 down, it was a great reaction again, and just a bit of quality from Harry Wilson at the end decides the game.
“We could have been a little bit more clinical. We’re really disappointed but proud of the effort.”
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