‘Very stupid’ red cards are ’embarrassing’ – Maresca

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea manager, called Liam Delap’s red card from the 4-3 win over Wolves “very stupid” and said the Blues’ repeated dismissals this year have become “embarrassing.”

Delap came off a 10-week layoff with a hamstring injury only 26 minutes after starting as a substitute for Emmanuel Agbadou after pressing Yerson Mosquera and crashing into Emmanuel Agbadou.

Due to health concerns surrounding fellow forward Joao Pedro, the 22-year-old striker will now miss Saturday’s trip to London rivals Tottenham.

When Delap was questioned whether he merited punishment, Maresca responded, “Absolutely, yes. Stupid behavior. That can be avoided.

The dismissal was a part of a larger Chelsea collapse. After the break, Wolves scored three goals, with Jamie Gittens’ stunning late strike enough to send the Blues to Cardiff City in the quarter-finals.

Maresca continued, “I believe we can all avoid the three goals we conceded.” Undoubtedly, we received a stupid red card today that was completely unnecessary.

I repeatedly told him to “Delap” after the first yellow card to stay calm. However, Liam is a player who struggles to understand and pay attention to those around him when he is playing for himself on the field.

Chelsea received a sixth red card in nine games, including Maresca’s dismissal for celebrating a late winner against Liverpool before the international break.

Given that Chelsea has received the most yellow cards in the Premier League over the past three seasons, the Italian was asked to clarify whether he had any other concerns.

I fully understand when there are red cards, like against Brighton [Trevoh Chalobah red] or Manchester United [Robert Sanchez red], but both of us can and must avoid red cards, like against Nottingham Forest [Robert Sanchez red].