Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has called out "mind boggling" decisions after being hit with a one-game suspension for accumulating five yellow cards in six games.
The 27-year-old, a £29 million summer signing from Chelsea, has been in fine form for the Toffees - playing 90 minutes in all of their Premier League fixtures.
But the Merseyside outfit will be without the midfielder for the next outing against Crystal Palace following his latest yellow card against West Ham.
Dewsbury-Hall was cautioned by referee Sam Barrott for a challenge committed on Kyle Walker-Peters late on in the 1-1 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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Although he appeared to touch the ball, Dewsbury-Hall sunk to the turf in disbelief over the decision, which was described as "really shabby" by manager David Moyes.
Aside from his debut against Leeds United, the former Leicester City man has been booked in every appearance - including a controversial yellow card for taking a quick free-kick in the Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
That call prompted a strong reaction from teammate Jack Grealish, who admitted, "I've never seen a player in my whole life get booked for taking a quick free-kick.... I don't know where that rule has come in."
And late on Monday night, Dewsbury-Hall, the first Premier League player to be banned for one-game for picking up five yellow cards this term, took to social media to express his frustrations.
"Forgive me if I’m wrong, and I might be, but some of these decisions are so hard to take," he wrote on X.
"Mind boggling."
Having been one of the first names on the teamsheet in central midfield, Dewsbury-Hall will be absent for Sunday's visit of Crystal Palace.
David Moyes responds to Dewsbury-Hall ban
After the draw, Moyes praised Dewsbury-Hall's contributions since signing and couldn't hide his disappointment over two of the "strange" yellow cards.
“He's played really, really well," Moyes commented.
"He's been a great signing and has started the season really well for us, getting goals and creating goals, and we'll miss him. I mean, it's quite ridiculous when you think of his yellow card at Anfield and now that one tonight. It's strange… As I said, it's not just me, I think most managers at the moment are probably feeling the same.”
Dewsbury-Hall will be hoping to avoid a two-game ban for 10 yellow cards in the first 32 games of the season - as well as staying away from the unwanted league-high record of 14 bookings in a single season.
Everton find themselves ninth in the Premier League after taking eight points from their opening six games - with two wins, two draws and two losses.
Topics: Everton, Premier League
Josh Lawless