Chelsea star Marc Cucurella was sent off AFTER the full-time whistle during the Blues' win against Brentford. The Spaniard was involved in an angry showdown with Kevin Schade after the end of the game, picking up a second yellow card in the process and a dismissal. The clash saw both sets of players get involved in what were shocking scenes at Stamford Bridge.
Cucurella had only been booked moments earlier for a dangerous challenge on Fabio Carvalho. A Premier League statement read: "The referee issued a second yellow card to Cucurella for adopting an aggressive attitude. Schade was also booked for the same offence.".
Cucurella's red card will now see him miss next week's trip to Everton. Chelsea boss Maresca offered his take on the incident. Speaking after the game, 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.".
Meanwhile, Brentford boss Thomas Frank slammed the former Brighton man for his part in the incident. Speaking in his post-match press conference, he said: "I think Cucurella is a top player, he is doing well. But I don't like it when players go to the ground and holding their face [incident in stoppage time]. I will say to Cucurella because I respect him massively.".
Cucurella's red was also a wild reversal in fortunes for the Spanish defender, who had given Chelsea the lead with his first goal for the club. Nicolas Jackson doubled the advantage with ten minutes of normal time. Bryan Mbeumo gave Brentford hope in stoppage time but Chelsea held on the secure victory - their seventh in succession in all competitions.
