Chelsea fans took to social media to fume about captain Conor Gallagher for his sending off in the first half against Brighton, a week after skipper Reece James also saw red. 

Gallagher took the armband for Sunday’s Premier League game at Stamford Bridge with James suspended after his red card at Newcastle, but the midfielder picked up two yellow cards in the opening 45 minutes of play, and was subsequently sent off.

The Blues, who were 2-1 up at the time of Gallagher’s sending off, held on during a nervy finish at the Bridge to run out 3-2 winners – but still Chelsea fans had choice words about the 23-year-old’s dismissal. 

Another added: ‘Gallagher Red, back to back games out captain sent off’ alongside a crying emoji and a frustrated meme. 

Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher was sent off for a second yellow card against Brighton

It came a week after Blues skipper Reece James was sent off against Newcastle United

Chelsea fans took to social media to express their frustration at Gallagher for his red card

A third said: ‘Our captains are actually mad you know. Gallagher from minute 1 looked like an animal unleashed. You could see him get a red a mile away.’, and said divine inspiration was required to see Chelsea through the second half.

In the end, Mauricio Pochettino’s side did enough to secure all three points, and climb into the top half of the Premier League table, but some called upon the Chelsea boss to make changes to captaincy at Stamford Bridge. 

One said: ‘This red card aside, I have and will never understand Gallagher as vice captain.’

Another wrote: ‘Such a reckless play by midfield especially by Conor Gallagher. Leading 2-0, giving away 1 goal and then red card. 

‘Pochettino should set this an example and remove Gallagher from Captaincy. Enzo [Fernandez] should be the captain, such a cool headed guy.’ 

It came just a week after Reece James was sent off in similar circumstances, after picking up a second yellow card of the game against Newcastle when tugging back Anthony Gordon to deny the Magpies’ winner from getting into the penalty box. 

Chelsea’s next outing is a trip to Manchester United on Wednesday night, before an away game at Everton four days later.  

Fans believe that Mauricio Pochettino should now make changes to Chelsea’s captaincy

While Chelsea’s captain options have been sidelined, some want Enzo Fernandez to get the call