Chelsea reach 100 Premier League red cards after Cole Palmer dismissal

Chelsea have become only the third club to receive 100 red cards in Premier League history after Cole Palmer was sent off during their 2-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.

The England international was dismissed for two bookable offences in a heated London derby, receiving the first red card of his senior career.

Tottenham secured all three points through a Mike Penders own goal and a second-half strike from Mathys Tel. The result left Chelsea fifth in the table, although their position was subject to change after Sunday’s fixtures.

Chelsea’s latest dismissal places them alongside Everton and Arsenal in the Premier League’s unwanted century club. Everton have recorded 113 red cards, Arsenal 110 and Chelsea 100, excluding dismissals that were later rescinded.

Palmer dismissed in tense second half

Palmer was shown his first yellow card in the 70th minute after Tottenham midfielder Mateus Fernandes handled the ball while lying on the ground.

The Chelsea forward reacted by forcefully pushing his midriff into Fernandes’ face. Referee Chris Kavanagh booked Palmer for the incident.

Ten minutes later, with Tottenham already ahead following Penders’ own goal, Palmer arrived late to a challenge and caught former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher on the leg.

Kavanagh produced a second yellow card, leaving Chelsea to finish the match with 10 men and confirming Palmer’s first senior dismissal.

The incident further highlighted concerns about Chelsea’s disciplinary record. Their players and staff were sent off 11 times during the 2025-26 campaign, the highest total in the Premier League. Tottenham had the next-highest number, with five dismissals.

Palmer’s suspension is expected to rule him out of Chelsea’s midweek Carabao Cup fixture at Liverpool. He is expected to be available for the Premier League home match against Manchester United next weekend, unless the ban is extended.

Rogers avoids dismissal

Palmer was not the only Chelsea player involved in a controversial disciplinary moment.

Morgan Rogers was shown a yellow card rather than sent off after a late challenge on Gallagher during stoppage time.

Rogers cynically flung a leg into Gallagher inside Chelsea’s half, but Kavanagh decided the offence warranted a booking.

The decision added to the tension during a match that became increasingly fractious in its closing stages.

Tottenham climb to 12th

Tottenham’s victory moved them up to 12th in the Premier League, while Chelsea’s defeat damaged their bid to remain among the leading teams.

Chelsea now face a Carabao Cup trip to Liverpool before hosting Manchester United in the league. Their latest defeat has brought both Palmer’s first senior red card and the club’s 100th Premier League dismissal into focus as they attempt to recover from a difficult London derby.