MARCHING ORDERS
James Ward-Prowse sent off in Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest clash as fans say ‘thought he was playing rugby’
Midfielder's bizarre challenge had fans in stitches
NOTTINGHAM FOREST ace James Ward-Prowse was sent off against Chelsea following a bizarre challenge.
Ward-Prowse, 29, started for Forest in their Premier League clash against the Blues at Stamford Bridge, where the visitors picked up a 1-1 draw.
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But the midfielder was shown a second yellow card in the second half as he chased Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson down the halfway line for a loose ball.
The England international lunged for the ball but lost his balance and fell on it with his torso.
And he ultimately fell on the ball, grabbing it with both hands.
The referee had no option but to give the West Ham loanee his marching orders in the 78th minute after booking him in the first half.
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Fans were left baffled by the ex-Southampton star's reaction as it looked like he was playing rugby or cricket, rather than football.
One fan tweeted: "Ward-Prowse thought they were playing rugby."
Another commented: "Bro, James Ward-Prowse just jumped on the ball like it was a fumble."
A third wrote: "Ward-Prowse just did one of the most comical actions in a football pitch ever."
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This fan said: "That’s the dumbest red card I’ve seen all season, what is James Ward-Prowse thinking."
And that one posted: "Ward-Prowse. Red card. Cricket level fielding. This is the funniest thing of the day."
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest: Player Ratings and Team Performance
Ward-Prowse joined Forest on loan from West Ham on transfer deadline day last summer.
The central midfielder has since amassed five appearances across all competitions with the Tricky Trees.
Chelsea player ratings vs Forest: Madueke shines again but hot-head Jackson too busy arguing
CHELSEA were held by ten-man Nottingham Forest as frustration filled Stamford Bridge.
Noni Madueke cancelled out Chris Wood's opener but the Blues couldn't find a winner.
And frustrations boiled over with a mass brawl in added time.
Here's how SunSport's Jack Figg rated the Blues stars.
Robert Sanchez - 8
Excellent positioning to snuff out Forest counter on hour mark and made two sensational late saves to deny the visitor's a winner.
Malo Gusto - 6
Wasn't able to prevent Nikola Milenkovic's flick on to set up Wood's opener but he produced a great block to deny Gibbs-White in the box.
Wesley Fofana - 7
Forming a good partnership at the back with Colwill. Finally some consistency at centre-half for Chelsea.
Levi Colwill - 7
Made a huge block to prevent Yates in the first half. John Terry-esque defending.
Marc Cucurella - 5
Lacked attacking creativity down the left having filled in at centre-back at times. Failed to form much of a threat with Sancho.
Moises Caicedo - 6
Agonisingly close to getting ahead of Wood to prevent the Forest opener. Took the role as deep-lying midfielder in front of back line.
Enzo Fernandez - 5
Still looks to be finding his best position under Maresca. Not a natural holding midfielder but denied preferred advanced role by Palmer.
Cole Palmer - 6
Looked lively when afforded space in the centre but the Chelsea superstar saw a huge chance saved thanks to Matz Sels double save.
Noni Madueke - 8
Constant threat down the right side with his goal well deserved. But the winger finds himself guilty of making the wrong choice in the final third.
Jadon Sancho - 4
Largely absent throughout the match with Aina doing a stellar job in keeping the tricky forward quiet. Lacked killer instinct going forward.
Nicolas Jackson - 4
Apart from pressing, quiet throughout. Slow to react in the box in a frustrating sign of inconsistency after recent goalscoring form. Spent more time arguing with team-mates at points.
Subs
Joao Felix (for Fernandez 80 mins) - 6
Christopher Nkaunku (for Jackson 80 mins) - 6
Mykhailo Mudryk (for Sancho 89 mins) -5
Pedro Neto (for Madueke 89 mins) - 6
Tosin Adarabioyo (for Colwill 90+3 mins) - 5
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