Chelsea Edge Dangerously Close to Breaking Embarrassing Premier League Record
Chelsea's poor disciplinary record this season puts the Blues at risk of matching the unwanted Premier League milestone for most red cards received in a single campaign.
This follows Wesley Fofana's sending-off, marking the sixth occasion in the Premier League during 2025–26 that a Chelsea player has received a red card, leading all teams in the division at this point.
These six dismissals have occurred under three separate managers—Enzo Maresca, Calum McFarlane and Liam Rosenior—indicating the issue isn't tied to any particular tactical approach. Across all tournaments, this season's tally reaches eight, including two additional cards in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
In Premier League matches alone, the Blues have received a red card every 4.5 fixtures and still have 11 games remaining. Maintaining their current pace, the campaign could conclude with eight or potentially nine dismissals. Nine represents the existing record, shared by Sunderland (2009–10) and Queens Park Rangers (2011–12).
Chelsea's Premier League Red Cards in 2025–26
Chelsea's Premier League Red Cards in 2025–26
Player Sent Off | Fixture | Manager |
|---|---|---|
Wesley Fofana | Chelsea 1–1 Burnley, Feb. 21 | Liam Rosenior |
Marc Cucurella | Fulham 2–1 Chelsea, Jan. 7 | Calum McFarlane |
Moisés Caicedo | Chelsea1–1 Arsenal, Nov. 30 | Enzo Maresca |
Malo Gusto | Chelsea 0–3 Nottingham Forest, Oct. 18 | Enzo Maresca |
Trevoh Chalobah | Chelsea 1–3 Brighton, Sept. 27 | Enzo Maresca |
Robert Sánchez | Man Utd 2–1 Chelsea, Sept. 20 | Enzo Maresca |
Red cards as of Feb. 24, 2026.
In Premier League history, Leicester City (1994–95), Blackburn Rovers (1998–99), West Ham United (1999–00) and Newcastle United (2008–09) have accumulated eight red cards in a single season.
While Chelsea are competing for Champions League places, the poorest disciplinary records are typically associated with struggling sides, mainly due to spending significant periods defending without possession and/or being outpaced by stronger opposition.
Among the aforementioned four clubs, Leicester, Blackburn and Newcastle all suffered relegation in their respective seasons, with West Ham (ninth place) being the exception.
Sunderland ended well down the table in 2009–10 while QPR in 2011–12 barely avoided relegation on the season's final day, despite their memorable defeat to Manchester City.
Most Red Cards in a Premier League Season
Most Red Cards in a Premier League Season
Club | Red Cards | Season |
|---|---|---|
Sunderland | 9 | 2009–10 |
Queens Park Rangers | 9 | 2011–12 |
Leicester City | 8 | 1994–95 |
Blackburn Rovers | 8 | 1998–99 |
West Ham United | 8 | 1999–00 |
Newcastle United | 8 | 2008–09 |
Wimbledon | 7 | 1995–96 |
Arsenal | 7 | 1998–99 |
Bolton Wanderers | 7 | 2001–02 |
Middlesbrough | 7 | 2001–02 |
Everton | 7 | 2002–03 |
Fulham | 7 | 2004–05 |
Birmingham City | 7 | 2005–06 |
Everton | 7 | 2005–06 |
West Bromwich Albion | 7 | 2010–11 |
Sunderland | 7 | 2013–14 |
Aston Villa | 7 | 2014–15 |
Newcastle United | 7 | 2014–15 |
Burnley | 7 | 2023–24 |