CHELSEA ace Marc Cucurella was sent off after the Premier League clash with Brentford at Bridge.
Cucurella, 26, helped the Blues beat the Bees 2-1 as he scored the opener before Nicolas Jackson’s winner, with the hosts getting a consolation in the dying minutes with Bryan Mbeumo.
But the full-back was shown a second yellow card after the full-time whistle due to a scuffle with Kevin Schade as the Chelsea ace shoved his opponent.
Schade was also booked for the post-match row by the match official.
The Premier League addressed the incident and stated that both players were penalised for “adopting an aggressive attitude”.
The statement read: “The referee issued a second yellow card to Cucurella for adopting an aggressive attitude. Schade was also booked for the same offence.”
That means the Spain international is going to miss Sunday’s Prem clash with Everton at Goodison Park.
Boss Enzo Maresca said the red card was a sign Chelsea can “do better”.
Speaking after full-time, he said: “I didn’t see the second yellow card. The referee said the second yellow card was for bad attitude. There are things we can do better.”
It marks the second league match in a row that Cucurella has stolen the headlines.
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The defender went viral last week during the London derby at Tottenham.
The ex-Brighton star was at fault for both of Spurs’ two opening goals as he tripped in the build-up.
CHELSEA closed the gap at the top of the league with a 2-1 West London derby win over Brentford.
Marc Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson netted for the Blues as they went two points behind Liverpool.
Here is how SunSport’s Andy Dillon rated the Chelsea performances…
Robert Sanchez – 7
Capable of making huge mistakes but also of great saves and made several tonight. One of his better night’s work.
Malo Gusto – 7
A class act and is strong physically and mentally for this team. Chelsea do not even miss captain Reece James at the moment.
Levi Colwill – 7
Made a crucial block to deny Damsgaard in the style of Chelsea legend John Terry. A solid performance.
Tosin Adaribioyo – 6
Cracking strength to play having also played in minus 11 centigrade out in Kazakhstan on Thursday. Injuries to defenders Badiashile and Fofana put pressure on him and he did his best.
Marc Cucurella – 4
Great run and header for the first goal but then totally spoiled himself with awful gamesmanship.
And then reckless to get two yellow cards in the space of a few minutes to be sent off.
Moises Caicedo – 8
So neat and tidy with his tackles and command of midfield. Chelsea dominated possession and in physical terms – largely due to this bloke.
Enzo Fernandez – 7
Looks settled and provided several neat through passes to link midfield and attack. Composed too.
Noni Madueke – 6
Great left foot cross to set up Cucurella’s goal. Dynamic on the run – but did get caught off guard a couple of times.
Cole Palmer – 6
A powerful shot saved in the first half but otherwise a quiet night for the star of this team.
Jadon Sancho – 6
Slowly regaining his position in the first-team after falling out of favour.
Nifty footwork in the second half almost brought the goal that would have settled this game much earlier.
Nicolas Jackson – 7
Tasty finish for what was ultimately the winner but also messed up a chance in the first half.
A decisive strike though that keeps Chelsea on the winning beat.
Subs:
Christoper Nkunku (for Jackson 83 mins) – 5
Did not get much time to make an impact. Chelsea were on the back foot for the run in.
That led Cucurella to run to his bench and change his boots, which proved to have worked as he helped the West Londoners turn the game around and pick up a dramatic 4-3 win.
The Spaniard decided to laugh the situation off at full-time as he binned his dodgy Puma boots and took a photo that he shared on social media as an apology to the fans.
The football boots were set to be released by the sportswear brand the following day.
And they were even engraved with the following message: “This boot might be leaked. We’re used to it. Don’t worry. Stay tuned.”
It looked to be a marketing own goal but Puma have brilliantly responded.
In a new advert posted on social media, Cucurella is wearing the boots alongside a caution wet floor sign.
Puma captioned the image: “It’s not how you slip, it’s how you bounce back.”
The post also sees the wet floor sign placed in front of a goal, by the entrance of a Puma store, at a bus stop and on a West London street.
