Two-game suspension in the horizon for Sunderland players as they straddle the disciplinary tightrope

As the second half of the season approaches, Sunderland’s defense tandem of Luke O’Nien and Dan Ballard are still very near to receiving ten yellow cards.

This season, Sunderland’s starting center backs have each received eight cautions, and players who receive ten yellow cards are suspended for two games.

Former Arsenal defender Ballard has picked up his eight yellow cards this campaign in the Championship against Ipswich Town, Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough, Swansea City, Millwall, West Brom and Bristol City

The team’s captain, O’Nien, received his bookings during games against Southampton, Leicester City, Norwich City, Swansea City, Plymouth Argyle, Leeds United, and finally Coventry City at home. O’Nien is also on eight yellow cards and just two cautions away from a two-game ban.

As previously mentioned, if a player has 10 yellow cards before 37 games, they would automatically receive a two-match league ban; thus, they still have 10 games remaining before the ban is reverted. FA Cup cards, however, do not contribute to the total.