Patrick Vieira apparently had to leave the room when Joao Felix received a red card on his Chelsea debut.
Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, Ian Wright revealed what the Crystal Palace manager did immediately after Felix’s first Premier League appearance came to a crushing end.
Chelsea supporters may have wanted to head for the Craven Cottage exits doors early after witnessing their new signing’s sour moment on Thursday evening.
Everything was pointing towards an excellent all-round performance from the Portugal international before he received his marching orders.
Felix was undoubtedly Graham Potter’s best player against Fulham, right up until he headed for an early shower.
The 23-year-old provided a new purpose to an attack that has stuttered and stumbled its way through the season.
He helped cover over the cracks in Kai Havertz and Mason Mount’s campaign, by combining well with the both.
Felix was a thorn in Fulham’s side; had he stayed on the pitch, Chelsea might’ve won the tie.
As it transpired, Potter’s side had to make do without the Atletico Madrid loanee for nearly 30-minutes.
Joao Felix ruins his Chelsea debut with red card
A reckless tackle on Kenny Tete from the young attacker gave David Coote no choice but to send him off.
Whilst this was awful for all of those involved with the Blues, one man must’ve been secretly jumping for joy at this red card.
“I was at Patrick Vieira’s, me and Patrick were watching the game together. We are waxing (lyrical) about how well he is playing. When he got sent off, Patrick just got up and went to the kitchen. Like to say ‘yes, yes’,” confessed Wright about witnessing Felix’s dismissal alongside the Palace coach.
Vieira will be pleased about this sending off mainly because it means he will not have to face Chelsea’s number 11 tomorrow.
Felix will not be able to take part in the London derby between the Blues and the Eagles on Sunday due to suspension.
He will also miss the meetings with Liverpool and Fulham again.
The short trip across the capital to West Ham United in February is the earliest Felix can return.
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