Southampton's Stephens deletes social media after Chelsea red card

The skipper was given his marching orders by referee Tony Harrington just 39 minutes into the contest at St Mary's for pulling Marc Cucurella's hair. 

Stephens had already been sent off once earlier in the Premier League season for a lunging tackle on Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho.

He was then handed an additional two-match ban for insulting language directed at two match officials in response to his red card in September.

Against the Blues, Stephens left the field without any complaints - but was criticised on social media by fans who felt he had let a depleted squad down.

I usually am one of the few that actually like Jack Stephens and defend him… but he’s gotta be smarter than that. Pulling someone’s hair in the first half as a captain when the team is already dealing with multiple suspensions and injuries really can’t be defended #saintsfc

— sam (@sicemsam23) December 4, 2024

Stephens could be found at @jackstephens27 on Instagram but his online presence appeared to have disappeared in the 24 hours that followed the loss.

Jack Stephens appeared to remove his posts before deleting the account altogether (Image: Instagram) The account - which featured over seven years of posts and had a profile picture in last season's kit - can no longer be found, suggesting he has deactivated it.

The Instagram notification that now appears on the account (Image: Instagram)

Saints teammate Will Smallbone deactivated his social media accounts during the Championship campaign last season after receiving online abuse.

It galvanised the squad and acted as a catalyst for the 4-3 win at Birmingham City - in which the Republic of Ireland midfielder set up two goals.

Saints manager Russell Martin said: "I feel really sorry for Will that it's got to that point and I don't like social media for that reason.

"It has become a cesspit of negativity and toxicity and a place where people feel they can say something they would never say to their face." 

Both managers felt the referee had ultimately come to the correct decision to send off Stephens, which will result in a four-match ban as his second red card.

Martin said: "I haven't got to sit down with him and talk about it. I think he'll be hurt more than anyone but it's changed the game for us which is disappointing."

Chelsea boss Maresca: "I saw the action and then the referee decided, he checked the VAR, and then he decided. Nothing to add."