Leeds United star Dan James abused after 'horror' tackle in Chelsea match shocks viewers

Wales and Leeds United star Dan James received the first red card of his career for a grim challenge on Chelsea's Mateo Kovačić that's been branded "horrific".

The incident plunged Leeds further into relegation crisis as they trailed Chelsea 1-0.

Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness described James' actions as reckless, despite the fact he did actually make contact with the ball initially. "He got a bit of the ball but a hell of a lot of Kovačić," he said. James vigorously disputed the sending off with the officials at Elland Road but few could argue the violent follow-through of the tackle was not worthy of a red card.

Images of the moment make for unpleasant viewing.

Referee Anthony Taylor was just a few yards away and showed no hesitation in showing a red card. Kovacic initially tried to play on but was substituted soon after.

The incident also saw James face a barrage of abuse from football fans on social media, with rafts of people directly messaging him, calling him "a thug" and telling him he should "be ashamed of himself".