Sheffield United defender walking disciplinary tightrope with cut-off point still weeks away
Japhet Tanganga was booked for a fourth time this season in Sheffield United’s 3-0 win over Lincoln City.
Sheffield United captain Japhet Tanganga is just one yellow card away from receiving a one-match ban after being cautioned in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Lincoln City at Bramall Lane.
Tanganga, who joined the Blades from Millwall in August last year, was booked after clashing with Lincoln centre-back Deji Elerewe with just over 20 minutes remaining. Elerewe was also shown a yellow card by referee Josh Smith.
The booking was Tanganga’s fourth yellow card of the season, meaning he is now just one caution away from triggering an automatic one-match suspension. He is one of 14 Championship players who are within one yellow card of receiving a ban.
EFL rules state that any player who accumulates five yellow cards in their club’s first 19 league matches of the season must serve a one-match suspension. The Blades’ 19th Championship fixture of the season is scheduled to take place against West Ham United at Bramall Lane on Friday, December 4.
This means Tanganga must navigate almost the next two months without picking up another yellow card to avoid a suspension. He has been an ever-present figure for the Blades in the Championship so far this season, playing every minute of their opening nine matches.
In fact, you have to go back to January, when Tanganga was suspended for three matches after being sent off against Charlton Athletic at The Valley, to find the last time United completed a minute of Championship football without the centre-back on the pitch.
United have accumulated 18 yellow cards in the Championship so far this season, but no other member of Chris Wilder’s squad is currently close to triggering a suspension. Liam Kitching is United’s second-most cautioned player in the league this season, having received his third yellow card of the campaign against Lincoln.
Players who accumulate ten yellow cards before the end of their club’s 37th league match of the season must serve a two-match suspension.