Orlando Pirates have been dealt a heavy blow, with midfielder, Lehlogonolo Masalesa, suspended for the next four games after his most recent sending off.
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The 24-year-old central midfielder received his marching orders this weekend after being shown a controversial second yellow during the win over Golden Arrows, his third dismissal of the season.
‘Vieira’ was previously sent off in the MTN8 – without even being on the field – and once again against Bidvest Wits back in October. According to the PSL’s rules, he will now miss the Buccaneers’ next four matches, including the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal with Mamelodi Sundowns.
The relevant rules are stated below:
51 DISMISSALS
51.1 Any player dismissed from the pitch, tunnel or dressing rooms by the referee (i.e. “red carded” or sent off, including dismissal as a result of two (2) yellow cards awarded in the same match) for the first time in any season will be suspended from participation in the next two (2) matches to be played by his team in any official competition under the auspices of the League.
51.2 For each subsequent occasion that a player is dismissed during the same season the period of suspension will be increased by one (1) match from the suspension previously served.
Meanwhile, Free State Stars will also be without a midfielder as they take on Bidvest Wits in the Nedbank, with Nhlanhla Vilakazi being sent off in their last game.