By ADRIAN BISHOP
Published: 18:10 EST, 15 December 2024 | Updated: 18:10 EST, 15 December 2024
Marc Cucurella was shown a second yellow card after the full-time whistle as Chelsea defeated Brentford.
The Blues were presented with a golden opportunity to further cement their status as title contenders when they played host to Thomas Frank's side.
Arsenal, Manchester City and league leaders Liverpool all dropped points this weekend, and Enzo Maresca's side duly secured three points on Sunday courtesy of goals from Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson to edge closer to top spot.
However, the clash didn't prove to be plain sailing for Chelsea. The visitors mounted a comeback late on thanks to a goal from Bryan Mbeumo.
Just minutes after Mbeumo's strike, and with the game entering the fifth minute of stoppage time, Cucurella was booked for a rash challenge on Bees forward Fabio Carvallo.
The dramatic finish saw tensions among both teams threaten to boil at Stamford Bridge.
Marc Cucurella was sent off after full-time in Chelsea's win over Brentford at Stamford Bridge
After opening the scoring, the defender was booked late on for a challenge on Fabio Carvalho
The scenes continued after the final whistle and referee Peter Bankes booked Brentford forward Kevin Shade and showed Cucurella a second yellow.
Following the game Premier League Match Centre revealed that the decision was due to the defender 'adopting an aggressive attitude'.
The post on X read: 'The referee issued a second yellow card to Cucurella for adopting an aggressive attitude. Schade was also booked for the same offence.'
Cucurella will now face a one-match ban.
The decision means the 26-year-old will not be available as the Blues travel to Goodison Park to face Everton on Sunday.
Marc CucurellaChelsea