Red card: Wesley Fofana
Chelsea Football Newsletter
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana is facing a suspension after being sent off in the 1-1 draw against Burnley.
Fofana was given his marching orders late on in the second half at Stamford Bridge for a reckless lunge on Burnley substitute James Ward-Prowse.
Referee Lewis Smith wasted no time in brandishing a second yellow card for the Frenchman, who was booked in the first half for a foul on Hannibal.
Fofana was perhaps slightly fortunate to have avoided a straight red card for his challenge on Ward-Prowse, but being dismissed for two bookable offences is crucial with regards to the length of his suspension.
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior, in response to the red card, immediately brought on Tosin Adarabioyo for Cole Palmer in an attempt to shore up the defence.
Later on Rosenior introduced three more defenders in Jorrel Hato, Josh Acheampong and Mamadou Sarr - for his Premier League debut - as the Blues attempted to hold on to the lead given to them by Joao Pedro in the fourth minute.
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Those decisions would backfire on the Blues boss as Burnley took full advantage of the extra man, with Zian Flemming heading home Ward-Prowse's corner in stoppage time to earn a priceless point for the visitors.
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As for Chelsea, it is now 19 points dropped from winning positions this season and six Premier League red cards as Fofana is left to reflect on his ill-discipline.
How many games will Wesley Fofana miss?
Due to Fofana being sent off for two bookable offences, he will serve a one-game suspension.
Had he been dismissed for violent conduct, then a minimum three-match ban would have been his punishment.
But in this case, Fofana will be unavailable for selection in Chelsea’s next fixture which is a London derby away at Arsenal on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Fofana can return to action against Aston Villa at Villa Park three days later in what will be a huge fixture with Champions League qualification implications.