Leeds United defender Gaetano Berardi is set to miss the rest of the season after being sent off for the third time this term against Sunderland on Saturday, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The newspaper report that FA rules stipulate increasing punishment for repeat red card offenders, with the automatic three-match ban increasing by one for every additional sending off.
The YEP claim that Berardi’s third red card of the season – shown after a rash two-footed challenge on Callum McManaman – therefore means he will be issued with a five-match ban by the FA.
With Leeds only having five games remaining in their season, that will see the 29-year-old mainstay sit on the sidelines until the start of next campaign.
Berardi’s punishment is set to be confirmed by the FA on Monday, with his absence to be a massive blow to Leeds’ defensive line.
OPINION
It was a disappointing challenge from Berardi, particularly considering the fact it came in the 90th minute. Whichever way you look at the tackle it was dangerous, and deserving of the red card. Leeds boss Paul Heckingbottom has admitted his disappointment in the veteran defender, and will now likely have to do without him for the rest of the season. That could open the door for a youngster like Tom Pearce to get another first-team shot in the coming games.