Former Chelsea academy star sent off for EFL club after appearing to PUNCH opponent during Carabao Cup match
Bolton star Xavier Simons endured a day to forget as he was sent off for punching an opponent.
Simons, 23, spent five years in Chelsea’s academy after joining from local rivals Brentford and played once for the first team during the 2021-22 campaign.
He has since established himself in the EFL at Hull City and now Bolton, but he made a dreadful start to the season in their Carabao Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
With the score level at 0-0 early in the second half, Simons was pulled back by Harry Gray, brother of Tottenham star Archie, as he tried to break forward.
In a moment of madness, Simons then inexplicably appeared to swing at his opponent and connected with Gray’s midriff.
Gray fell to the ground after the blow and Simons’ actions sparked a melee, before referee Elliot Bell brandished a red card to the midfielder.
Bolton star Xavier Simons endured a day to forget as he was sent off for punching an opponent
Simons’ moment of madness sparked a melee and it cost Bolton as they lost the game
Simons’ dismissal proved costly, as Wednesday won 1-0 thanks to Jamal Lowe’s 70th-minute winner.
Speaking after the match, Bolton boss Steven Schumacher was critical of his player, although he refused to publicly scold him.
‘From the angle I’ve seen it from this side, it looks like Xav has reacted and lashed out, which he knows you can’t do,’ he said.
‘It’s a poor decision, and it’s a decision that you wouldn’t expect from him. It’s the first time I’ve seen him do that since he’s been here, and I’m sure he’ll be disappointed with it.’
Simons, who has also spent time on loan at Fleetwood and Wycombe, joined Bolton from Hull ahead of last season.
He went on to play a crucial role as Bolton were promoted from League One after beating Stockport in the play-off final, with the Trotters now back in the Championship for the first time since 2019.