Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that John Terry "lost control" after being sent off in their weekend defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.
The Blues lost 2-1 at White Hart Lane on Saturday evening to reopen the Premier League title door to Manchester United.
Terry was red carded in the 67th minute of the game, having earlier conceded a first-half penalty.
The England defender's form has been widely criticised since the much-publicised personal problems which led to his sacking as international captain in February and Ancelotti has now admitted his embattled skipper had fallen below his own high standards.
"I was a player and you know sometimes you are not always rational, you sometimes lose your control," said Ancelotti.
"He has had a fantastic season.
"Maybe sometimes he had some problems and didn't play so well, maybe against Spurs he didn't play too well."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email