Marc Cucurella received a second yellow card for Chelsea after the full-time whistle due to his post-match actions against Brentford. The Premier League have confirmed that his aggressive attitude saw referee Peter Bankes dismiss him despite the game being over.
Cucurella had only been booked for the first time moments earlier after a strong challenge as Chelsea attempted to hold out for the win. It was an all-action display from the full-back after he also opened the scoring with a neat header.
Chelsea were thankful to have had him on the field for the closing stages, though, after Brentford attempted to pile on the pressure following Bryan Mbeumo's 90th-minute strike. He ensured a nervy finish at Stamford Bridge.
Nicolas Jackson's strike looked to have settled matters before Chelsea switched off to allow their visitors back into the game. Tempers boiled over in stoppage time as Brentford appealed for fouls and felt aggrieved at Bankes' management of the last seconds.
Cucurella angered Thomas Frank's side with his tackle on the left touchline and won a free-kick after a coming together with Vitaly Janelt. Substitute Kevin Schade was also frustrated.
With his teammates celebrating and Enzo Maresca hugging his backroom staff in the technical area, Cucurella was shown a second yellow card amid the chaos. Initially unclear what had gone on as bodies gathered around the officials, the Premier League Match Centre X (formerly Twitter) account has explained the procedure.
"The referee issued a second yellow card to Cucurella for adopting an aggressive attitude," a statement released online reads. "[Kevin] Schade was also booked for the same offence."
Cucurella will now miss Chelsea's next Premier League game, which is away to Everton. He will not face further punishment but the decision cannot be appealed as it was not a straight red card or given by VAR.
Chelsea travel to Goodison Park knowing that a win will take them top of the table for a couple of hours at least with Liverpool playing Tottenham in the late Sunday kick-off. The gap to the leaders is currently two points.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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