Stephens’ Red Card “Cost” Southampton in Chelsea Defeat, Says Manager Martin

Southampton manager Russell Martin stated that Jack Stephens’ red card “cost” his team during their 5-1 loss to Chelsea in the Premier League on Wednesday. Video replays showed that the Saints captain pulled Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella by his hair while Southampton was on an attacking corner. Referee Tony Harrington consulted the pitchside monitor before issuing Stephens a straight red card for the incident. “I don’t think anyone will be more disappointed than Jack,” Martin said. “He’ll be hurt more than anyone and it changed the game a bit for us tonight.” “I’m disappointed for him and us, it’s a moment of madness that has really cost us.” This marked Stephens’ second sending-off of the season; he was previously dismissed when Manchester United secured a victory at St Mary’s in September. He is the first Southampton player to be sent off twice in a Premier League season since Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in 2018-19. “I’ve not even seen it but they explained to me what happened,” Martin added. “I don’t think it’s really violent conduct but there’s no explanation for it really, is there?”