Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca called out Liam Delap after he was sent-off late on against Wolves, with the Blues' poor red card record continuing against Wolves in the Carabao Cup
Chelsea's dire disciplinary record continued on Wednesday night
Chelsea's dire disciplinary record continued on Wednesday night
View 2 Images
Enzo Maresca confessed he was embarrassed by Chelsea's latest dismissal as their trend of picking up red cards continued with Liam Delap the man to receive his marching orders.
It almost proved costly but the Blues saw off Wolves 4-3 at Molineux on what was Delap's return from an injury lay-off, although it did not go to plan. The summer signing came on as a second-half substitute only to pick up two yellow cards in seven minutes.
That had Chelsea down to 10 men - something they've become accustomed to this season. Maresca claimed that Delap's actions were selfish, with their poor disciplinary record continuing. Maresca made it clear to the ex-Ipswich forward that he had to remain level headed after picking up his first yellow card, but the advice clearly fell on deaf ears.
He said: "We had a very stupid red card that was completely unnecessary, and was absolutely deserved. We can avoid red cards like these and we have to avoid them. When it's a red card like today, it's embarrassing. There were two yellow cards in seven minutes, both avoidable. It's no good. After the yellow card, I told him (Delap) four or five times to keep calm.
"But Liam is a player that when he's inside the pitch probably he'll be playing the game for himself and he struggles to realise and to listen around him."
Delap has taken to social media to own his blunder and said: "I take full responsibility for my actions. I will behave next time."
Maresca has changed his tune from last month when he claimed that their string of red cards were not the sign of a disciplinary problem as he dissected each one. Within the space of ten days they had three players sent-off and on two of those occasions they were beaten.
Liam Delap came on as a sub, but was shown two yellow cards in quick succession
Liam Delap came on as a sub, but was shown two yellow cards in quick succession
View 2 Images
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent-off in the opening minutes at Manchester United and that allowed the Red Devils to take control and win that contest. A week later and Trevoh Chalobah was given his marching orders in a home defeat to Brighton.
Three days after that and Joao Pedro was dismissed for two yellow cards against Benfica in the Champions League. That was late in the game and the west Londoners were able to hold onto their lead. More recently Malo Gusto was sent-off in the win over Nottingham Forest.
Join our new WhatsApp community and 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.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image