Chelsea captain Gary Cahill was sent off just 14 minutes into the new Premier League season for this reckless tackle against Burnley.
The champions would have hoped to make a positive start to the new campaign as they look to defend their crown, but it was anything but straight-forward at Stamford Bridge.
Just 14 minutes into the game, Cahill saw red for this foul, with some arguing that it was harsh albeit reckless, before Sam Vokes gave the visitors the lead to leave Antonio Conte’s side with it all to do.
Gary Cahill's studs up challenge which sees him getting sent off very early on in the game. #CFC #CHEBUR pic.twitter.com/z16IpuuFqQ
— CFC gifs (@chelskigifs) August 12, 2017
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the nightmare was the reaction to Cahill’s sending off, with many Chelsea fans, as seen below, sharing their frustration and anger with the England international who evidently isn’t a widely popular figure.
He’ll now likely miss the next three games, including next week’s trip to Wembley to face Tottenham, but Chelsea’s more immediate concern will be rescuing something from Saturday’s season-opener with Stephan Ward and Vokes making it 3-0 to Burnley shortly before half-time in a shocking turn of events.
Great start to the season ???.
Could be a blessing though Cahill might not get into our team again
— Memento Mori (@BOOOMSHAKABOOOM) August 12, 2017
Cahill won't ever be a starter for Chelsea again. Like JT last season.
— Hazardinho (@hazardinstinct) August 12, 2017
Sign Van Dijk now Chelsea so Cahill never gets back in the team ??
— ?Bakayoko (@KingBakayoko) August 12, 2017
Cahill is just braindead. The ref didn't want to see dumb plays from him anymore .
— Kitson (@KobbyKitson) August 12, 2017
Tottenham away without Cahill, blessing in disguise.
— ? (@AddictedToCFC) August 12, 2017
Atleast Cahill won't be there for next 3 games
— Team McGregor (@IAMRnjn) August 12, 2017
Cahill forcing Boga to be taken off in his first senior appearance for us. Not my captain.
— Dami (@TheChelseaWay) August 12, 2017