Reece James shouldn’t be Chelsea captain after stupid decision vs Newcastle – he’s overthinking it, says BBC legend

REECE JAMES should not be Chelsea captain after his red card against Newcastle, says Mark Lawrenson.

The BBC legend has slammed the full-back’s stupid decision in his side’s 4-1 loss at St James’ Park.

Mark Lawrenson has called for Reece James to be replaced as Chelsea captainRex

James was shown a second yellow card for a challenge on Anthony Gordon after already being cautioned earlier in the match.

Lawrenson has now accused the academy graduate of “overthinking” and called for Mauricio Pochettino to give the armband to someone else.

“I don’t know why Thiago Silva is not captain [of Chelsea], because he plays nearly every game and doesn’t really get injured,” he told Paddy Power.

“The thing about Reece James is that he misses lots of games. I can see what Pochettino has done, but you need to be playing every single week and show people why you deserve to be captain.

“Thiago Silva would’ve done it more easily with all that experience, and maybe let James get on with his game, and not think about being captain.

“Maybe that’s why he made a stupid decision against Newcastle to get a second yellow, he’s overthinking it a bit too much.”

James was named Chelsea captain in the summer following Cesar Azpilicueta’s exit.

However, injuries have since disrupted his campaign, with the defender limited to just six league appearances.

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A hamstring injury ruled him out of six matches before his return in October.

James has started Chelsea’s last three matches but will be absent this weekend.

He will serve a one-match ban for his red card as his side look to bounce back at home to Brighton on Sunday.

James was sent off in last weekend’s 4-1 loss at NewcastleRex