Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is at risk of another suspension – just days after he was sent off against Southampton.
The Brazilian star was given his marching orders for a high tackle on Saints midfielder Carlos Alcaraz during the stalemate between the two teams at Old Trafford on Sunday.
He was initially booked by referee Anthony Taylor, before it was changed to a red card after VAR review. And the club have already confirmed they will not appeal.
Casemiro will now miss the next four games, having already been shown a red card in United’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace last month.
The ban will cover the Red Devils upcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham and Premier League fixtures against Newcastle, Brentford and Everton.
But he will be available for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League last 16 clash against Real Betis on Thursday. And Casemiro could be in line for another suspension should he receive a yellow card against the La Liga club.
That is because he has picked up two yellow cards in the Europa League this campaign, with the third incurring an automatic one-match ban.
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The yellow card amnesty – where all bookings are wiped – is introduced before the quarter-finals, meaning Casemiro will miss the first leg of United’s last eight tie should they make it through and he receives a yellow card on Thursday.
Therefore, if the Brazil international is booked, he will miss the following five fixtures for United.
Speaking about the decision after the game, Erik ten Hag said: “It is inconsistent. The referees are coming at the start of the season with a policy: We are the Premier League, we want intensity, and Casemiro, across European games, over 500, he never had a red card but now, twice.
“He plays tough but he’s fair. Same as against Crystal Palace, so it’s very debatable. When you freeze it [Sunday’s challenge], it looks bad.
“Everyone who knows something about football, knows what is bad, what is fair and Casemiro is a fair player. Tough, but fair, and it shows. Over 500 games in big leagues and he was never sent off. He’s disappointed.”
