BBC pundit, Garth Crooks has slammed Reece James for the ‘unnecessary’ bookings he picked up against Newcastle on Saturday.

Chelsea were beaten 4-1 away from home by the Magpies, who were missing so many players.

Reece James made two poor challenges in the game, and was sent off after picking up two yellows, and now, Crooks believes the 23-year-old was very poor for the Blues.

He told BBC Sport: “I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite like it: Reece James sent off for two of the most pathetic and unnecessary bookings you will ever see, Thiago Silva playing as though his head was somewhere else and Chelsea sent packing, having had four goals put past them.

“One of those goals was scored by Jamaal Lascelles who has waited patiently to not just get back into this Newcastle side but is now featuring as one of their main contributors.

“Against Bournemouth, just before the international break, some Newcastle fans were questioning the team’s commitment amid a catalogue of injuries. I wonder what they are saying this week?”

James is now set to miss Chelsea’s match against Brighton next week, although Malo Gusto should be able to fill in well for the suspended captain.