AFTER A RED CARD, CURTIS JONES WILL BE BANNED.
Curtis Jones of Liverpool recently found himself in deep water after collecting a straight red card, the third such incident for Liverpool players this season. This suggests that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will be without his young midfielder for the forthcoming games.
THE DIFFICULTY AND THE CHOICE
At Tottenham during the first half, Jones, 22, challenged for the ball; as a result, his foot went over the top and landed stud first into Yves Bissouma’s lower thigh. Referee Simon Hooper at first deemed the challenge deserving of a yellow card. On the recommendation of VAR Darren England, the judgement was changed to a red card in the 26th minute after checking the pitchside screen. As a result, Liverpool had 10 players on the pitch, underlining yet another puzzling official decision and emphasising the need for a rule reform.
RESULTS OF THE RED CARD
Jones is currently facing a three-match suspension, which is the norm for straight red cards connected to violent behaviour or significant foul play. Jones will therefore be absent from the following contests:
- Brighton (A) – Sunday, October 8
- Everton (H) – Saturday, October 21
- Nottingham Forest (H) – Sunday, October 29
CONSEQUENCES FOR JONES’ PLAYING TIME
Between the games against Brighton and Everton, there will be an international break, so Jones’ playing time will likely be restricted to the Europa League, and a senior England call-up looks unlikely. As was the situation with Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool has the opportunity to challenge the red card, but the facts of Jones’ case are more complicated.
GET BACK ON THE FIELD
Jones is anticipated to return to domestic play on November 1 when Liverpool plays Bournemouth in their following League Cup fixture, if the three-match suspension is upheld.