MX23RW : Sunday, February 2 23:17:00| >> :60:24:24:

Rafael Benitez defends David Luiz over challenge on Brentford teen

Benitez defends Luiz challenge
© PA Photos
Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez defends David Luiz's challenge on Brentford youngster Jake Reeves by claiming that it was "bad luck".

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez has jumped to the defence of David Luiz, who was heavily criticised following a challenge on Brentford midfielder Jake Reeves.

The Brazil international apologised to the 19-year-old, who was left concussed when Luiz hit the youngster's jaw with his shoulder in the final few minutes of Chelsea's 4-0 win over the League One side in the FA Cup last week.

"I see hundreds of tackles in the league that are more dangerous than that one," The Express quotes Benitez as saying. "I won't say it wasn't bad, it wasn't the best, but a factor was the size of the other player. David Luiz is a great player and we have to be pleased he's playing in the Premier League. It was bad luck."

Meanwhile, the Blues are preparing to face Sparta Prague in the second leg of their Europa League clash with a 1-0 advantage tonight.

ID:70455: cacheID:70455:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1804:
Written by
Danielle Joynson
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Chelsea's John Terry is congratulated by Branislav Ivanovic after scoring his team's fourth in the FA Cup 4th round replay against Brentford on February 17, 2013
Read Next:
Match Analysis: Chelsea 4-0 Brentford
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool23175156213556
2Arsenal24148249222750
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest24145540271347
4Manchester CityMan City24125748351341
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle24125742291341
6Chelsea23117545301540
7Bournemouth24117641281340
8Aston Villa2410773437-337
9Fulham249963632436
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2481063538-334
11Brentford2494114242031
12Crystal Palace247982830-230
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd2485112834-629
14Tottenham HotspurSpurs24831348371127
15West Ham UnitedWest Ham2376102844-1627
16Everton236892328-526
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2454153452-1819
18Leicester CityLeicester2445152553-2817
19Ipswich TownIpswich2437142249-2716
20Southampton2423191854-369


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!