Chelsea captain Reece James was sent off against Newcastle (Photo: Getty)
Reece James has apologised for his ‘silly’ red card during Chelsea’s humiliating loss at Newcastle United on Saturday.
Chelsea were beaten 4-1 at St. James Park, a result that leaves the Blues 10th in the Premier League table – 10 points off the top four.
Alexander Isak gave Newcastle an early lead before Raheem Sterling brilliantly equalised with a free-kick, before two quick-fire goals from Jamaal Lascelles and Joelinton set the Magpies on course for the three points.
Any chance of a Chelsea comeback was ended on the 73rd minute when James was sent off for a second bookable offence, with Anthony Gordon finishing off the game with the home side’s fourth goal soon after.
Both of the right-backs were yellow cards were easily avoidable, the first being for kicking the ball away, while the second was for for a foul on Gordon who had caused problems for the Blues captain all game long.
The 23-year-old will now be suspended for the tough clash against Brighton at Stamford Bridge next Sunday.
‘I take full responsibility for my red card today, two silly mistakes,’ James posted on Instagram on Saturday night.
‘Another lesson for me to learn. I’d like to apologise to the fans and my teammates.
‘The performance today was far below our standards but this game does not define us!
‘We’ve made huge improvements this season against many top teams. We’ll be back next weekend.’
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The defender has missed much of the season through a hamstring injury, and his absence against Brighton may cause Mauricio Pochettino problems as back-up right-back Malo Gusto is still recovering from a tendom injury and may not be fit in time.
Pochettino for his part was unwilling to criticise his captain publicly for the sending off, saying in his post-match press conference: ‘Disappointed… look this type of thing happens in football.
‘Of course, disappointed of course because we should finish with a player but it happens and we need to accept.’
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‘I take full responsibility.’