Reece James breaks unwanted record with a reckless red card against Brighton

Chelsea captain Reece James broke a somewhat ludicrous record after being sent off against Brighton on Wednesday. James, who has made only 10 Premier League games this season owing to persistent hamstring ailments that necessitated surgery, came on as a substitute against Brighton on Wednesday.

However, shortly after he comes on pitch, he was dismissed for kicking out at striker Joao Pedro after a foul, with the referee issuing a straight red card following a VAR assessment. As a result of his red card, James is currently tied for the most red cards in the Premier League this season.

It’s all the more surprising given that he’s only played 422 minutes, which is equivalent to little under five full games. This season, Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma and Sheffield United’s Oli McBurnie have also received two red cards.

James is not the first Chelsea player to be sent off this season; Conor Gallagher and Malo Gusto have also been dismissed. James will be off for the season’s final game against Bournemouth on Sunday, and the suspension might extend until the following season.

The Blues are presently sixth, but if they win the Cherries, they might overtake Spurs into fifth, assuming Ange Postecoglou’s team loses to bottom club Sheffield United.