West Bromwich, United Kingdom---Chelsea suffered their first defeat in 19 matches as the Premier League champions crashed 3-0 at West Bromwich Albion following the bizarre sending off of Cesc Fabregas on Monday.
Saido Berahino had given the hosts an early lead at the Hawthorns before Chelsea midfielder Fabregas was dismissed later in the first half for kicking the ball against Chris Brunt's head with play stopped.
West Brom made the most of their numerical advantage with Berahino's penalty early in the second half before Brunt got the third as Jose Mourinho's side suffered their heaviest defeat of the season and their first league loss since New Year's Day.
Although the title had been secured two weeks ago, Chelsea still fielded a strong side with Spain striker Diego Costa returning from injury after "begging" Mourinho to play him according to his manager.
With both sides having little but pride to play for, there was a jovial atmosphere inside the Hawthorns as the hosts gave the now traditional guard of honour for the champions.
It was the hosts who came first to breaking the deadlock with Callum McManaman, making a rare start for Albion, seeing his shot deflect wide from Craig Dawson's pass.
And West Brom were ahead on nine minutes as England Under-21 striker Berahino ended his nine-game goal drought by curling home from the edge of the area in superb fashion following Joleon Lescott's pass.
- Ugly altercation -
In response, Chelsea's Nemanja Matic fired a long range shot just wide of the post, but West Brom came close to a second when Dawson's trickery took him through the visitors' defence before his shot deflected wide.
Chelsea broke immediately with Eden Hazard seeing his effort deflect just over after a fine run from Costa.
But an off the ball clash between Costa and Gareth McAuley on 29 minutes led to an ugly altercation between players of both sides.
As referee Mike Jones went to book Costa, Fabregas inexplicably kicked the ball straight against the back of Brunt's head, prompting an angry exchange with the Albion player and then a red card for the initial offence.
Fabregas could now miss the first two games of next season if he is handed a three-game suspension.
Chelsea could have been level despite the controversy as Filipe Luis's powerful free kick was well saved by Boaz Myhill.
But West Brom were next to go close as James Morrison's slide-rule pass found Brunt, whose low effort was kept out by Chelsea goalkeeper Thibault Courtois.
AFP
