Premier League suspension rules explained

When a player is shown a red card, he misses more than just the rest of the match he's playing in, but what are the rules regarding suspension specifically?

There are a number of ways players can get themselves suspended, including being shown a straight red, picking up two yellows in one match and accumulating too many yellows across the season. The length of the suspension varies depending on which of the above offences they commit, and only applies for certain competitions.

Given that, many Manchester United fans weren't sure which games Casemiro would miss when he was sent off against Crystal Palace, worried that he'd be unavailable for some of their biggest matches of the season.

Here's an explanation of the Premier League suspension rules.

Which offences lead to a one-match ban?

There are a number of ways that a player can be suspended for one match.

They'll be given such a punishment if they're sent off for committing a professional foul such as pulling down a player that's through on goal or clearing the ball off the line with their hand.

A one-match ban will also be given to players that are sent off after picking up two yellow cards in one match and to those that accumulate too many yellows in the first half of a league season.

Which offences lead to a two-match ban?

A player will generally miss two matches if they're sent off for dissent or if they refuse to leave the pitch after being shown a red card that would ordinarily lead to a one-match ban.

They'll also miss two games if they get too many yellow cards over the course of a league campaign.

Which offences lead to a three-match ban?

Players will generally be suspended for three matches if they're shown a red card for committing violent conduct during a match.

Depending on the severity of that conduct though, the length of the ban can be extended further with no maximum limit in place.

Acts determined as violent conduct include off-the-ball incidents such as when Casemiro grabbed Will Hughes by the throat against Crystal Palace as well as tackles that seriously endanger the player on the receiving end of it.

Players that spit at an opponent or use discriminatory language towards them can also be banned for a minimum of three matches and usually more.

How many yellow cards lead to a suspension?

Any player that picks up five yellow cards in the first half - 19 matches - of the Premier League season is suspended for a match.

If they pick up 10 yellow cards in a season, they'll miss two matches regardless of when they receive their 10th caution.

Which competitions do Premier League suspensions apply to?

If players are suspended for picking up a red card in a Premier League game, the ban will apply to all domestic competitions.

It doesn't carry over to UEFA tournaments though, hence why Casemiro will be able to play in Manchester United's Europa League game with Barcelona.

If a player is banned after accumulating too many yellows, that ban will only apply to Premier League games.