The Premier League have explained that Jack Stephens was sent off for 'violent conduct' after pulling Marc Cucurella 's hair.
The Southampton captain grabbed a chunk of the Spaniard's locks as Chelsea defended a corner during Wednesday's Premier League meeting. The referee missed the initial incident but was sent to the VAR screen and subsequently brandished a red card.
A Premier League statement read: "38’ VAR OVERTURN The VAR recommended an on-field review for possible violent conduct for Jack Stephens. The referee then issued a red card."
Southampton found themselves 3-1 down at the time of the dismissal. Axel Disasi had opened the scoring for the Blues, only for Joe Aribo to equalise.
Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke gave the visitors a comfortable lead at the break. Stephens' dismissal will only add to boss Russell Martin's woes.
He was already without a host of players due to suspension. Tyler Dibling, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes were all suspended against Chelsea after reaching the five-booking threshold. Midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu was also out - unable to face his parent club.
The Saints are also dealing with their own injury issues. Gavin Bazunu, Aaron Ramsdale, Will Smallbone, Jan Bednarek and Adam Lallana were all also ruled out. Strikers Paul Onuachu and Ross Stewart have also been sidelined.
The incident involving Cucurella was not the first time that he had been the at the centre of a hair-pulling incident. Spurs defender Cristian Romero escaped a red card for a similar offence in August 2022.
Was Stephens rightly sent off? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Speaking about the incident, the Chelsea star said: "For me it is too clear in the game, on the pitch. I didn't see it on the TV, the video. I think it's very clear, but this is one error of the referee or VAR.
"Sometimes the referees have good decisions, sometimes not. This is not my problem. Maybe we need to work harder to not concede this goal in the last minute.
"I saw [VAR] checking for a red card in the stadium. For me it is clear. In this moment, I don't know what happened."
"I have no problem with him," the Spaniard added. "It's just one action of the game but maybe it was important because it changed the final result.
"For me it's no problem. Before the game I spoke with him [Romero]. I have no problem. It's only one action in the game. Maybe an important action because it changes the final result. We have another opportunity [to beat Spurs]."
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