The Football Association have confirmed that Leeds United defender Gaetano Berardi has been suspended for the next three games.
Leeds returned to winning ways after a three-game losing streak when they defeated Bristol City at Ashton Gate, but their victory was marred by Berardi’s sending off.
The defender appeared to have head-butted Bristol City’s Matty Taylor and it led to him getting his marching orders before Taylor was also shown the red card for his initial reaction.
The full-back has been a key player for Leeds this season and Thomas Christiansen would have been hoping for a lighter sanction but Berardi has been hit by a three-match ban.
The FA have confirmed the punishment and Leeds will be without a key player for the EFL Cup clash against Leicester in midweek.
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Berardi will also miss the league games against Sheffield United and Derby County.
Christiansen could opt to slot in Vurnon Anita at left-back or bring loan signing from Manchester United Cameron-Borthwick Jackson into his squad.
Berardi will be expected to return to the squad when Leeds travel to Brentford on 4th November.
