Conor Gallagher was sent off just before half-time of Chelsea vs Brighton (Photo: Getty)
Mauricio Pochettino was ‘disappointed’ that Conor Gallagher was sent off during Chelsea’s win over Brighton on Sunday.
Chelsea beat Brighton 3-2 at Stamford Bridge, giving Pochettino a much-needed three points that have moved his side back to 10th in the Premier League table.
Enzo Fernandez stole the show, scoring two goals, but his midfield partner Gallagher was the villain of the game, after being shown a second yellow card on the verge of half-time.
The England International was skippering the Blues in the absence of Reece James who was suspended for this match following his own red card during the 4-1 loss at Newcastle last week.
Gallagher received his first booking for a hefty challenge on Facundo Buonanotte and was then given his marching orders for bring down ex-Chelsea player Billy Gilmour.
Thankfully for the 23-year-old, his team dug deep to secure the win but he’ll now miss the big clash at Manchester United on Wednesday.
Speaking after the game, Pochettino took issue with the decision to send Gallagher off, though he conceded that his young side’s lack of maturity is costing them.
Enzo Fernandez scored his first Premier League goals of the season against Brighton (Photo: Getty)
Asked about the red card, the manager told BBC Match of the Day: ‘I don’t believe it was.
‘I need to see it again. We need to understand the referee but they need to understand us.’
He added: ‘Look, this type of thing happens in football. Of course, [I am] disappointed because we should finish with a player but it happens and we need to accept.
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‘We are a young team. We need to leave this kind of experience with red cards. With time we’re gonna improve and avoid this kind of situations.
‘The team was really good, I feel very proud because Newcastle was tough and then again Brighton is always difficult to play and in the first 25 minutes we scored twice and were controlling the game.
‘We were a little bit flat when we conceded at the end of the first half in the second half and then Gallagher was sent off. It wasn’t a second yellow card, but that is my opinion, maybe I am wrong.’
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‘It wasn’t a second yellow card…’