CHELSEA sub Reece James was sent off for kicking – in a regrettable replica of sister Laura’s World Cup shame.
Skipper James ruined his second cameo after a long spell out injured by lashing out in the 89th minute of a 2-1 Premier League win at Brighton.
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Fouled and grounded by Joao Pedro, the England wing-back struck out his leg – connecting with the thigh of the Brazilian striker.
James will now be banned for the first three Prem games next season – as it’s his second dismissal of the campaign.
Referee Michael Salisbury missed the retaliation at first – but flashed the red card at James after VAR asked the whistler to check replays.
The defender’s sibling Lauren was dismissed last August when a VAR review showed she had stamped on Nigerian star Michelle Alozie.
Chelsea were 2-0 up when James was given his marching orders – with Danny Welbeck grabbing a consolation for Brighton deep in stoppage time.
Cole Palmer‘s 22nd goal of the season and sub Chris Nkunku’s goal midway through the second half had earlier left the Blues seemingly coasting.
But VAR controversy marred the clash.
Chelsea had a penalty overturned after Salisbury watched pitch-side replays of a challenge on ex-Seagull Marc Cucurella.
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And many Blues’ fans were seething when what they reckoned was a clear “elbow” on Mykhailo Mudryk by ex-Stamford Bridge kid Tariq Lamptey went unpunished.
Mudryk’s replacement Nkunku went on to play a key role as Chelsea leapfrogged Newcastle into sixth place.
But James’ sending-off tarnished the joy for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
He’d set up a goal when he launched his comeback in Sunday’s 3-2 dramatic win at Nottingham Forest.
But this time his quick reactions were of a negative kind – and almost sparked the opposite result.
Sister Lauren apologised for her own rash moment nine months ago in a last-16 tie that the Lionesses only won on penalties.
“I am sorry for what happened,” she said, before promising: “I promise to learn from my experience.”
