Cucurella was shown a red card after the final whistle
Cucurella was shown a red card after the final whistle
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. It was also a wild reversal in fortunes for the Spanish defender, who had given Chelsea the lead with his first goal for the club.
[
Marc Cucurella red card puts dampener on Chelsea win as Blues close gap to Liverpool](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/chelsea-brentford-premier-league-highlights-34318797)
[
'Chelsea rejected me in the summer - now I'm out to show up Enzo Maresca'](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/chelsea-maresca-thomas-frank-brentford-34317122)
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.
It leaves Enzo Maresca's side sitting second in the table and just two points behind leaders Liverpool albeit having played a game more than the Reds.
Cucurella's dismissal is not the first time that he has hit the headlines over recent weeks. Two slips from the Spaniard saw Tottenham seize a 2-0 lead against Chelsea last weekend.
The Blues managed to rally and secure victory but the defender took to social media showing his boots - which he changed mid-game - in the bin. But he has since deleted that post.
Marc Cucurella
Marc Cucurella was sent off against Brentford ( Image: Getty Images)
Are Chelsea title challengers? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Meanwhile, his latest ban is the second suspension that he has picked up this season. The 26-year-old also missed the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool back in October after reaching the Premier League's threshold for five bookings.
Despite the post-game scenes, goalscorer Jackson did not let them hamper his enjoyment of the result. Speaking after the full-time whistle, he said: "Very big win. Not an easy game. They're a difficult side to play against.
"It was difficult because they always play set-pieces. But we won. I'm very happy. Listen to the manager, respect the plan and we did that. It was more difficult at the end because they wanted to score again.
"We're getting to know each other better. Last year is finished, now we're concentrating on this year. I missed that one but I was thinking I'll get another one and try to score to help the team win. I did exactly that.
"It's all about getting more experience. I'm getting more confident. We're just trying to win every game and focus on the next one. I don't look at the table."
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.