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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Jon Doel

Leeds United star Dan James abused after 'horror' tackle in Chelsea match shocks viewers

Wales and Leeds United star Dan James received the first red card of his career for a grim challenge on Chelsea's Mateo Kovačić that's been branded "horrific".

The incident plunged Leeds further into relegation crisis as they trailed Chelsea 1-0.

Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness described James' actions as reckless, despite the fact he did actually make contact with the ball initially. "He got a bit of the ball but a hell of a lot of Kovačić," he said. James vigorously disputed the sending off with the officials at Elland Road but few could argue the violent follow-through of the tackle was not worthy of a red card.

Images of the moment make for unpleasant viewing.

Referee Anthony Taylor was just a few yards away and showed no hesitation in showing a red card. Kovacic initially tried to play on but was substituted soon after.

The incident also saw James face a barrage of abuse from football fans on social media, with rafts of people directly messaging him, calling him "a thug" and telling him he should "be ashamed of himself".

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