Chelsea were reduced to 10 men in their 1-1 Premier League draw with Fulham after Marc Cucurella's red card for fouling Harry Wilson, with Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer booked for dissent
Patrick Austen-Hardy Senior Sports Journalist and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter
21:19, 07 Jan 2026
Marc Cucurella receiving a red card against Fulham
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Marc Cucurella was sent off against Fulham(Image: Sky Sports)
Liam Rosenior witnessed his fresh Chelsea squad endure a disciplinary catastrophe as Marc Cucurella was sent off during their clash with Fulham.
Rosenior, 41, chose not to lead the Blues from the touchline at Craven Cottage, preferring to observe proceedings from the stands. Calum McFarlane caught the eye with his tactical choices and team selection in the 1-1 stalemate away to Manchester City.
Chelsea began brightly with Enzo Fernandez nearly finding the net straight from a corner kick, whilst Andrey Santos diverted another dead ball delivery from the Argentine against the woodwork.
Players remonstrate with Referee Peter Bankes after he gave a red card to Chelsea's Spanish defender #03 Marc Cucurella (3R) during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Chelsea at Craven Cottage in London on January 7, 2026
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Three Chelsea players also got booked for dissent(Image: AFP or licensors)
Nevertheless, the disciplinary troubles that plagued the Club World Cup champions under Enzo Maresca's stewardship surfaced once more.
Fulham shot-stopper Bernd Leno picked out Harry Wilson with a sweeping 75-yard ball, and the in-form Welsh winger managed to get beyond Cucurella.
The Spanish defender lost his composure and hauled Wilson to the ground whilst being the final man back. The official wasted no time in brandishing his red card, sparking fury amongst the Chelsea squad.
Explaining the verdict, the Premier League match centre stated: "The referee's call of free-kick to Fulham and a red card to Cucurella for denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) was checked and confirmed by VAR.
"With it deemed that Cucurella committed a holding offence that did not continue into the penalty area," reports the Mirror.
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And sharing the video on social media, one fan slammed Cucurella's "ridiculous" decision as they questioned: "What was he thinking?"
Enzo Fernandez angrily confronted the referee, earning himself a yellow card for dissent, whilst Cole Palmer also found his way into the book after voicing his displeasure. Tosin Adarabioyo was similarly cautioned for the same offence.
Incredibly, Chelsea has racked up five red cards in the Premier League this season, more than any other team. This lack of discipline is something that Rosenior will need to address when he takes the reins.