Leeds United's Dan James Shown Straight Red Card For Sickening Tackle On Mateo Kovacic

Leeds United winger Dan James was shown a straight record for a sickening challenge on Chelsea's Mateo Kovacic at Elland Road.

With Chelsea 1-0 up through a fine strike from Mason Mount, tensions were high for former Manchester United man James.

He produced a strong tackle on Kovacic but despite winning the ball first, James' follow through was a horrific one and he could have quite easily broken the Croatian's leg.

Referee Anthony Taylor immediately brandished the red card - much to the dismay of James, manager Jesse Marsch and the animated home supporters.

Kovacic had to be substituted off and was replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek. As he took his place on the bench, the former Real Madrid man was seen reacting angrily to the abuse he was being given by Leeds fans sat behind the dug-out.

It was the latest example of Leeds going into self-destruct mode in again, with a second red card in a matter of days.

Luke Ayling was sent off through the intervention against Arsenal in Sunday's 2-1 loss at the Emirates for a wild two-footed lunge on Gabriel Martinelli.

To make matters worse for injury-ravaged Leeds, they lost Jack Harrison in the first half and had to bring on Junior Firpo.

The Yorkshire outfit are occupying the final relegation spot and their chances of retaining top-flight status for a second successive season are looking increasingly slim.

Currently on 34 points, Leeds host Brighton on Sunday before finishing the campaign away at Brentford on the final day of the season.