EFL star shown straight red card for PUNCHING 17-year-old rival in moment of madness

BOLTON WANDERERS midfielder Xavier Simons made a shocking start to the season after being sent off for PUNCHING Sheffield Wednesday teenager Harry Gray. The former Chelsea youngster, 23, then saw his side crash out of the Carabao Cup following his moment of madness. Xavier Simons punched Harry Gray in the stomach Credit: X The Bolton midfielder was sent off following the moment of madness Credit: X Bolton won promotion to the Championship after thumping Stockport in the League One play-off final in May. And they made the trip to Hillsborough looking to book their place in the second round of the Carabao Cup. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! But Bolton were reduced to ten men in the early stages of the second half as Simons was shown a straight red card. The defensive midfielder lashed out at Gray, who has joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan from Leeds, after his shirt was tugged. Simons sensationally punched his 17-year-old rival in the stomach, leading to a scuffle. And fans rushed onto social media after referee Elliot Bell gave the ex-Hull City man his marching orders. One said: “Should be giving a hefty suspension. No need for that.” Another added: “What a moron.” Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Simons lashed out after being tugged back by Gray Credit: Shutterstock Editorial A third chimed in: “How pathetic is that? Idiotic.” A fourth noted: “Not sure anyone can defend this.” And a fifth claimed: “Lost his head.” Sheffield Wednesday went on to profit from Simons’ dismissal as Jamal Lowe bagged a 70th minute winner. The Owls joined the likes of West Ham, Burnley and Wolves in booking their place in the second round. Simons is now set to miss Bolton’s Championship showdown with Preston on Saturday. Comment now