Laudrup refuses to blame Hazard

Michael Laudrup admitted he had never seen anything like Eden Hazard's sending-off throughout his lengthy playing and managerial career, but refused to criticise the 21-year-old.

With just over 10 minutes remaining of the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg, and Chelsea needing to score twice to take the tie to extra-time, the Belgian lost patience when a ball boy refused to hand over the ball after it had gone out of play for a goal-kick.

The ball boy fell to the ground as Hazard attempted to get the ball from him with the Blues forward then trying to kick it from under him but instead he appeared to make contact with the youngster and referee Chris Foy produced a red card. Laudrup said: "Obviously I know that will take some headlines."

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