Chelsea player slammed for club’s defeat to Newcastle United

Former Manchester United star Garth Crooks has hit out at Chelsea’s Reece James for his getting booked during the Blues’ 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United over the weekend.

Crooks expressed displeasure at James’ display for Chelsea against Newcastle at St. James’ Park.

Chelsea played with 10 players after James was sent off in the 73rd minute after receiving a second yellow card.

Crooks has now hit out at the England international for his two unnecessary bookings leading to the sending-off.

“I don’t think I have seen anything quite like it: Reece James sent off for two of the most pathetic and unnecessary bookings you will ever see,” Crooks told BBC Sport.

He added: “Thiago Silva playing as though his head was somewhere else and Chelsea sent packing, having had four goals put past them.”

Recall that James first received a yellow card after he kicked out the ball early in the second half.

The defender was also handed a second yellow for dragging down Anthony Gordon in the 73rd minute.

This means he would be unavailable for Chelsea’s next Premier League clash against Brighton on Sunday.