Joao Felix's Chelsea debut ended in disaster after the 23-year-old was shown a straight red card for a horror challenge on Fulham's Kenny Tete.
After a really impressive first-half from Felix, who signed for the Blues on Wednesday afternoon, the Portuguese attacker went sliding in on Tete and left his boot up near the defender's shin and was shown a red card by referee David Coote. The referee, after a bit of deliberation, branded the red card, meaning Felix will miss Chelsea's next three matches.
It came moments after Kalidou Koulibaly had equalised for the visitors at Craven Cottage. Koulibaly scrambled the ball in after Mason Mount hit the post from a free-kick.
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Willian, formerly of Chelsea, gave Fulham the lead in the first-half. The former Blues winger cut inside and his shot deflected off Trevoh Chalobah and beat Kepa Arrizabalaga.
In the opening 45 minutes, Felix really impressed – which makes his red card even more disappointing. The Portugal international showed some glimpses of what he is capable of and almost had an assist just two minutes into his debut.
After nutmegging Tim Ream on the right-hand side, Felix played a low ball to strike partner Kai Havertz, but his shot was blocked before Lewis Hall was denied by Bernd Leno. Felix recorded numerous shots as well in his time on the pitch but was unable to get his first goal in his new colours.
Felix will next be available for Chelsea when they take on West Ham United in February. The loanee will miss games against Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Fulham because of the three-match suspension.
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