Southampton boss Russell Martin has said that Jack Stephens’ red card “cost” his side in their 5-1 defeat by Chelsea in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Replays showed that the Saints captain pulled Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella by his hair as Southampton had an attacking corner.
Referee Tony Harrington referred to the pitchside monitor before showing 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 was Stephens’ second sending-off of the season, having previously been dismissed when Manchester United won 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?”
