Reece James follows in sister Lauren’s World Cup shame as he’s SENT-OFF for kicking out minutes after coming off bench
CHELSEA sub Reece James was sent off for kicking - in a remarkable replica of sister Laura's World Cup shame.
Skipper James ruined his latest cameo after returning to full fitness in the 89th minute of the Blues' 2-1 Premier League win at Brighton.
Fouled and grounded by Joao Pedro, the England wing-back lashed out his leg - connecting with the thigh of the Brazilian striker.
Referee Michael Salisbury missed the retaliation at first - but flashed the red card at James after VAR asked the whistler to check replays.
The defender's sibling Lauren was dismissed last August when a VAR review showed she had stamped Nigerian star Michelle Alozie.
Chelsea were 2-0 up when James saw red - with Danny Welbeck grabbing a consolation for Brighton deep in stoppage time.
Cole Palmer's 22nd goal of the season and sub Chris Nkunku's goal midway through the second half had earlier left the Blues seemingly coasting.
But VAR controversy marred the clash.
Chelsea had a penalty overturned after Salisbury watched pitch-side replays of a challenge on ex-Seagull Marc Cucurella.
And many Blues' fans were seething when what they reckoned was a clear "elbow" on Mykhailo Mudryk by ex-Stamford Bridge kid Tariq Lamptey went unpunished.
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But Mudryk's replacement Nkunku played a key role as Chelsea leapfrogged Newcastle into sixth place.