Chelsea’s red cards this season: what happened, and what it cost them
Chelsea’s discipline has been a recurring problem this season. The Blues have picked up seven red cards across all competitions – and the consequences have been costly, influencing everything from results to football betting markets around key fixtures.
Here’s what happened in each match.
Robert Sanchez – vs Manchester United (Premier League)
Chelsea’s disciplinary issues started almost immediately. At Old Trafford, Robert Sanchez was shown a straight red after just five minutes – the club’s first dismissal of the 2025/26 campaign.
With Bryan Mbeumo through on goal, Sanchez rushed out and made a reckless challenge outside his area, bringing the attacker down. The referee didn’t hesitate.
The early dismissal forced an immediate reshuffle. An outfield player was sacrificed for a substitute goalkeeper, completely altering the game plan. Despite staying competitive, Chelsea eventually lost 2–1.
Trevoh Chalobah – vs Brighton (Premier League)
Trevoh Chalobah was dismissed in Chelsea’s home match against Brighton after denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Caught out defensively, he brought down Diego Gomez as he broke through on goal.
The match was finely balanced, but playing with ten men quickly shifted momentum. Brighton exploited the extra space, and Chelsea struggled to hold their shape. The visitors ran out 3–1 winners, with the red card proving decisive.
Joao Pedro – vs Benfica (Champions League)
Chelsea’s disciplinary problems extended into Europe during their Champions League clash with Benfica. Joao Pedro was sent off after picking up two yellow cards – both for avoidable fouls.
Chelsea were 1–0 ahead when he was dismissed, and with only minutes remaining, they focused on protecting their lead. Despite the pressure of playing with ten men, they held on to secure the win.
Malo Gusto – vs Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
Malo Gusto was shown a second yellow late in Chelsea’s away win at Nottingham Forest. The card came for a poorly timed challenge on Nico Williams in the closing minutes.
With only a few minutes left, the dismissal didn’t affect the result – Chelsea were already comfortably ahead. But Gusto’s suspension meant changes for the following match, adding to selection headaches caused by ongoing discipline issues.
Liam Delap – vs Wolves (Carabao Cup)
In a Carabao Cup tie at Wolves, Liam Delap was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession. It was his first game back since August, and both challenges were avoidable – the first for pushing Yerson Mosquera, the second for jumping into Emmanuel Agbadou.
Despite having just ten men, Chelsea held on for a 4–3 victory to reach the quarter-finals.
Moises Caicedo – vs Arsenal (Premier League)
The most high-profile dismissal came in the London derby against Arsenal. Moises Caicedo was shown a straight red for a reckless, studs-up challenge on Mikel Merino – the kind of tackle that leaves little room for argument.
The dismissal forced Chelsea to play much of the game with 10 men. But rather than collapsing, they showed resilience and held their shape. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Chelsea secured a 1–1 draw against a title-chasing side.
Marc Cucurella – vs Fulham (Premier League)
The most recent red card came in the London derby at Craven Cottage. Early on, Marc Cucurella was sent off for hauling back Harry Wilson, who was through on goal.
Playing with 10 men for most of the game, Chelsea went on to lose 2–1 to their neighbours – another match where discipline cost them points.
