Alan Shearer gives 'tough' Reece James verdict after Chelsea star struggles in Newcastle defeat

Reece James was sent off for two bookable offences during Chelsea's disappointing 4-1 defeat against Newcastle United. The Blues captain has since apologised to his teammates and supporters after he was dismissed in the second half at St. James' Park.

The England international kicked the ball away in the first half resulting in his first yellow card of the game. Following a poor touch that allowed Anthony Gordon to burst through towards goal, James received a second yellow card as he pulled the Magpies' forward to the ground.

The Chelsea defender had struggled with Gordon's pace and sharpness all game as Mauricio Pochettino watched on from the stands. The Blues boss lamented his side's lack of energy and fight after the full-time whistle and Alan Shearer has now criticised James for receiving a 'silly' red card.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer said: "[Reece James] has been made captain [of Chelsea] and he had a really tough day. Gordon gave him a really tough afternoon, [Reece James] couldn’t keep up with him.

«Then he gets the two yellow cards. We have all done silly things on a football pitch, it is fine, you have got to accept that.

»But… when you are captain you just can't do that, you can’t kick the ball away like that [after Newcastle awarded a free-kick]; not when you are in that position, not when you are away from home. He gets his first yellow card there [for kicking the ball away], then he gives the ball away and you know he [Reece James] is going to bring Gordon down, gets his arms around him, brings him down, another yellow card, therefore the red card."

Mauricio Pochettino explains Moises Caicedo absence from Chelsea team to face Newcastle

Alan Shearer issues five-word Newcastle vs Chelsea verdict amid