Bruno Guimaraes has avoided an unlikely Premier League ban for Newcastle United following Wednesday night’s 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.
Guimaraes made it 12 games without a yellow card in the league for The Magpies. After avoiding a two-match ban by getting through the win over Tottenham Hotspur without being shown a caution, the Brazilian has now avoided a potential three-match ban.
Any player shown 10 yellow cards before and including a club’s 32nd league game is handed a two-match ban. Guimaraes picked up his ninth booking of the season in Newcastle’s 21st league game against Manchester City in January before going 11 games without a further yellow to pass the 32-game threshold and avoid a ban.
It was joked that the midfielder would celebrate avoiding a ban by going on a booking spree in Newcastle’s final matches of the campaign. But that would have been ill-advised as Guimaraes was still in with a chance of picking up 15 yellow cards which would have led to a three-match ban for the start of next season.
But by avoiding a booking in the 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace, Guimaraes is no longer at risk of a three-match ban with the most bookings he can accumulate this season now 14.
Guimaraes previously served a one-match ban earlier in the season for picking up five yellow cards in Newcastle’s opening 19 league matches. Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier also served a one-match ban for the same offence.
Next up for Newcastle is a home match against Sheffield United on Saturday (3pm kick-off) as they look to get their European push back on track after a disappointing midweek result.
1. Anthony Gordon - 9 bookings, one sending off
Missed two matchs all season for Newcastle United and both have been down to suspension. Sent off for two yellow cards against West Ham. The red card meant he remained on eight yellow cards rather than 10 but he has since picked up another booking.
2. Bruno Guimaraes - 9 bookings
Just one booking away from a two match suspension but has managed to go 11 games without being booked in all competitions since his ninth yellow against Manchester City in January.
3. Sean Longstaff - 6 bookings
Picked up six bookings but avoided suspension with his fifth yellow coming against Liverpool on New Year's Day, once the 19 game threshold had passed.
4. Joelinton - 5 bookings
Was booked 12 times last season and handed two suspensions but has managed to avoid any suspensions so far this season. Currently injured.