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Rafael Benitez defends David Luiz over challenge on Brentford teen

Benitez defends Luiz challenge
© PA Photos
Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez defends David Luiz's challenge on Brentford youngster Jake Reeves by claiming that it was "bad luck".

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez has jumped to the defence of David Luiz, who was heavily criticised following a challenge on Brentford midfielder Jake Reeves.

The Brazil international apologised to the 19-year-old, who was left concussed when Luiz hit the youngster's jaw with his shoulder in the final few minutes of Chelsea's 4-0 win over the League One side in the FA Cup last week.

"I see hundreds of tackles in the league that are more dangerous than that one," The Express quotes Benitez as saying. "I won't say it wasn't bad, it wasn't the best, but a factor was the size of the other player. David Luiz is a great player and we have to be pleased he's playing in the Premier League. It was bad luck."

Meanwhile, the Blues are preparing to face Sparta Prague in the second leg of their Europa League clash with a 1-0 advantage tonight.

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Chelsea's John Terry is congratulated by Branislav Ivanovic after scoring his team's fourth in the FA Cup 4th round replay against Brentford on February 17, 2013
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2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
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7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
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10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle125341313018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
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14West Ham UnitedWest Ham124351519-415
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16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154


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