The Premier League meeting between Chelsea and Brentford ended in drama as Marc Cucurella was shown a red card.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank gave his ‘personal opinion’ on Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella after his side were on the receiving end of a 2-1 defeat to their West London rivals at Stamford Bridge on Sunday night.
The Spain international bagged the first goal for Enzo Maresca’s side in the first half with a well-taken header but found himself centre of attention again after the full-time whistle. Cucurella was involved in a coming together with Brentford man Kevin Schade and was shown a second yellow card, which will see him miss this weekend’s trip to Everton in the Premier League.
A top flight statement explaining that incident read: “The referee issued a second yellow card to Cucurella for adopting an aggressive attitude. Schade was also booked for the same offence.”
Speaking after the game, Frank refused to respond to a question over whether Cucurella was a ‘wind-up merchant’ but did criticise the defender for his history with causing drama on the pitch. He said: “Personal opinion, I think Cucurella is a top player.
“I think he is doing very, very well. I don’t like when players go to the ground holding their face. I don’t want my players to do it and I’ll happily say it to Cucurella, as I respect him massively, but it’s his choice.
“We shouldn’t make too big a story of it. I know what all the headlines will be. It’s one situation. It’s not my problem [Cucurella being sent off].”
Cucurella will be eligible to play for Chelsea in Europa League action against Shamrock Rovers on Thursday night but will be suspended for the trip to Goodison Park on Sunday. The player’s first Premier League red card comes after he scored his first goal of the season against the Bees.
Enzo Maresca reacts to Marc Cucurella red card
When asked about the red card following the game, Maresca said: “I asked the referee and he said the second yellow card was for bad attitude. After the final whistle I was celebrating, so I didn’t see anything.
“It’s Frank’s opinion, not mine. I have nothing to say. The player was top on the ball and off the ball.”