Southampton Captain Jack Stephens Receives Four-Match Ban

Southampton captain Jack Stephens is facing a four-match suspension after receiving his second red card of the season on Wednesday. The 30-year-old defender was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair during a set-piece in the first half of the 5-1 home defeat against Chelsea. Stephens will automatically serve a three-game suspension for violent conduct, and an additional match will be added to this ban because it marks his second red card of the current season. His previous red card was issued in September for a lunge on Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho. This means Stephens will be unable to play again until 26 December, when West Ham is scheduled to visit St Mary’s. When questioned about Stephens’ disciplinary record, manager Russell Martin commented: “He has been amazing for us so I am disappointed for him, for us, but ultimately it will hurt Jack more than anyone.”