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Joao Felix sets an unwanted Chelsea debut record by receiving a red card against Fulham.
Joao Felix became the first Chelsea player to be sent off on his Premier League debut on Thursday night when he was awarded a red card against Fulham.
The Atletico Madrid loanee had performed admirably in his first game for the Blues, but in the 58th minute, with the score tied at 1, his good work was undone when he charged in on Kenny Tete.
Although it did not appear purposeful, it was undoubtedly unsafe, and there was little debate regarding the 23-year-showing old’s of the straight red.
Graham Potter’s poor luck and results have kept Chelsea in 10th place in the Premier League. Portugal forward had an early shower, and his teammates lost 2-1 to Craven Cottage.
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Felix’s red card earned him an unfavourable spot in Chelsea history and made him the first Premier League player since Federico Fazio for Tottenham in 2014 to be dismissed on his league debut.
On the challenge, Potter said: ‘A forward’s tackle. It didn’t feel like an emotional one. It was miscontrolled, and a football action that can happen with the speed of the Premier League. He didn’t go to hurt anybody. He didn’t lose his head.
‘All of them will be learning moments. Joao is a young, top player. You can see his quality and what he brought to the game. He’ll learn from it.’
Felix will now miss three games due to suspension, which is a considerable number given the forward was only signed on a loan for the remainder of the season. It was a pricey tackle for Chelsea.
Felix’s absence from the Premier League matches against Liverpool, Fulham (again), and West Ham will cost him dearly when factoring in the £9 million loan price and the roughly £6 million salary he will receive.