Saints captain Stephens to serve four-match ban
- Published
Southampton captain Jack Stephens is set to be suspended for four matches after being sent off for the second time this season on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old defender was dismissed for pulling Marc Cucurella's hair during a set-piece in the first half of the 5-1 home defeat by Chelsea.
Stephens will serve an automatic three-game suspension for violent conduct, and because it is his second red card of the season, an additional match will be added to the suspension.
The previous red card was for a lunge on Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho in September.
That means Stephens will not play again until 26 December, when West Ham visit St Mary's.
When asked about Stephens' disciplinary record, manager Russell Martin said: "He has been amazing for us so I am disappointed for him, for us, but ultimately it will hurt Jack more than anyone."