UNFORGIVING Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel said Conor Gallagher is “responsible” for his sending off against Leicester.
The midfielder was given his marching orders just 28 minutes into his second-ever start for the Blues.
Gallagher, 22, was initially booked for cynically bringing down Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
The England international was then sent off just six minutes later, picking up a second yellow for stepping in front of Harvey Barnes and stopping Leicester from counter-attacking.
And Tuchel offered a frosty response on the sending off when quizzed on Gallagher after the match.
Asked if he had spoken to Gallagher, who looked upset as he trudged off the pitch, Tuchel hit back: “He is responsible for what he did and of course he knows it was a huge mistake.”
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The Blues boss was not on the touchline for the 2-1 win over the Foxes as he served a ban following his row with Tottenham manager Antonio Conte two weeks ago.
But Tuchel revealed he had spoken to Gallagher after today’s clash at Stamford Bridge.
The German did relieve his midfielder for some of the blame as he said: “We spoke briefly after the game and things like this can happen.
“It’s not purely his fault alone because it’s a set-piece for us and it’s sloppy how we take set-pieces at the moment.”
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Although the Chelsea gaffer blasted Gallagher’s second challenge as a “very bad decision” and admitted Gallagher was “upset” after referee Paul Tierney brandished a red card.
Tuchel added: “It’s a very, very bad decision from Conor and, of course, he is upset.
“Everybody was upset at this moment because it almost kills the whole football match.”
Fortunately for Gallagher it didn’t stop Chelsea from bouncing back after last week’s humbling 3-0 defeat to Leeds.
Raheem Sterling’s first goals for the club helped Tuchel’s side to victory after Barnes pulled one back for the Foxes.
Gallagher himself has been the subject of transfer speculation in recent weeks after a successful loan spell with Crystal Palace last season.
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SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month that Gallagher was a target for Newcastle.
Meanwhile West Ham and Crystal Palace are also believed to be keen on the Chelsea academy product.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
