Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas was shown a straight red card for a foul on new Liverpool signing Ragnar Klavan in a pre-season friendly in the US.
Fabregas, 29, went into the challenge with a raised boot and the referee at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl had no hesitation.
Chelsea were 1-0 winners on the night, with defender Gary Cahill heading in after 10 minutes following a corner.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp confirmed Fabregas went into Liverpool’s dressing room after the game to apologise.
New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte also apologised for the challenge but insisted it was not intentional.
“I think that the fatigue sometimes can bring a [player] to go too late,” he said.
“I know Fabregas is a good man, a good boy and is not a player to have this type of situation. I’m sorry for him, I’m sorry for the Liverpool player.”
-Source: BBC Sport