Jack Stephens was strangely sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair in Southampton’s game against Chelsea on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old defender is the Saints club captain but endured a disastrous night before being dismissed after 39 minutes.

Southampton, who were already 3-1 down after two mistakes by their goalkeeper Joe Lumley, found themselves in a dangerous position when they won a corner.

However, when referee Tony Harrington wasn’t looking, Stephens decided to pull Cucurella’s hair.

The Spaniard then fell to the ground and VAR advised Harrington to go to the screen.

After catching a glimpse of a replay of the incident, Harrington didn’t hesitate to give Stephens his marching orders, which was another major blow to Russell Martin’s struggling side.

Southampton defender Jack Stephens was strangely sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair

Since referee Tony Harrington wasn’t looking, Stephens pulled the Spaniards’ locks

Harrington was sent to the canvas and decided to hand Stephens his second red of the season

The Premier League Match Center added further clarity to the decision when they posted on X: “38” VAR OVERTURN.

“The VAR recommended an on-site check for possible violent behavior by Jack Stephens. The referee then issued a red card.”

The red card was Stephens’ second sending off of the season after the defender was also sent off against Manchester United in September.

That day he was handed a three-game ban for a serious foul on Alejandro Garnacho.

However, Stephens later received an additional two-match ban and a £50,000 fine for using abusive and insulting language towards referee Stuart Attwell and fourth official Gavin Ward.

Discipline continues to be a major issue for the Saints, with Martin’s side having already received 45 yellow cards and three red cards this season.

Southampton were 3-1 down at half-time and Martin’s side were seven points behind safety at the start of the evening.