Why Joao Felix’s red card against Fulham will cost Chelsea £2.1m

Joao Felix’s red card against Fulham will cost Chelsea a whopping £2.1million after he joined the Blues on Wednesday.

Felix made his debut for Graham Potter’s side in Thursday’s west London derby, which Fulham won 2-1.

However, after initially impressing, his debut ended in disastrous fashion when he was sent off for a reckless lunge at Cottagers defender Kenny Tete.

Joao Felix’s red card against Fulham on Thursday will cost Chelsea a massive £2.1million

Felix was sent off in his first game for Chelsea after a reckless failure on Fulham’s Kenny Tete

Chelsea confirmed the 23-year-old’s loan deal until the end of the season on Wednesday.

However, in order to secure the talented striker, Chelsea agreed to pay a £9million loan fee for the short-term deal – while they also cover Felix’s wages during his stay in west London – estimated at £6million.

This will cost the Blues £15million in their remaining 21 Premier League games, including Thursday’s defeat by Fulham.

As a result, Chelsea are paying £714,286 a game to add Felix to their squad as they look to recover from a disastrous start to the season that saw them languish in midfield.

Chelsea paid a £9m loan fee for Felix while they also cover his £6m wages – £15m in total

That means Chelsea will pay £714,286 per game to have Felix in their squad

Felix’s sacking for violent behavior means he will miss the Blues’ Premier League games against Liverpool, Fulham and West Ham.

In all, that three-game ban for Felix on loan will cost his new club £2,142,858.

Despite his costly error on and off the pitch causing further selection problems for the pressured Blues boss Potter, the Englishman defended the Portuguese striker after the game.

“A tackle by a forward,” said Blues boss Potter.

“It didn’t feel emotional. It was mismanaged and football action that can happen at Premier League speed. He didn’t want to hurt anyone. He didn’t lose his head.

Felix will miss games against Liverpool, Fulham and West Ham at a cost to the club of £2,142,858

“These are all learning moments. Joao is a young player, a top player and you can see his qualities. There was no malice in it at all, but I can understand why it was a red. It was a bit high and the referee has to make the decision.

“It’s really frustrating, incredibly challenging and I feel for the supporters. It’s another hit that the hits keep coming at the moment. He was really good, you could see his quality in the game, so losing Joao for three games is really disappointing.

Loss to west London rivals leaves Chelsea in 10th place – 10 points adrift of the top four – and have played a game more than Manchester United, who are fourth.