Portsmouth defender Christian Burgess walking disciplinary tightrope - here's how many games he has to avoid a two-match ban

Christian Burgess will walk a disciplinary tightrope for Pompey’s next five league games.
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The popular centre-back is just one booking away from being forced to serve a two-match suspension.

The yellow card he picked up in Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over MK Dons was his ninth in 31 League One outings this season.

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Disciplinary rules state any player who receives 10 cautions at the 37-game cut-off point will be forced to sit out the two fixtures that follow.

As a result, it means Burgess is running the risk of a second Blues ban of the season.

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That was because he had been booked five times prior to the 19-match threshold.

Christian Burgess. Picture: Kieran CleevesChristian Burgess. Picture: Kieran Cleeves
Christian Burgess. Picture: Kieran Cleeves

On that occasion, Pompey boss Kenny Jackett completely changed his back four, with Lee Brown also missing after undergoing an Achilles injury.

Tom Naylor and Oli Hawkins served as makeshift central defenders as the Blues suffered a lacklustre 4-1 loss.

Burgess will have to avoid a booking during tonight’s clash against Rochdale at Fratton Park, as well as upcoming encounters against Peterborough (March 7), Fleetwood (March 10), Accrington (March 14) and finally Doncaster (March 17).

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Should the 28-year-old be cautioned during that period, then Jackett will likely turn to Jack Whatmough to partner Sean Raggett at centre-half.

Whatmough has not featured since his comeback game following a long-term knee injury –the 2-1 EFL Trophy quarter-final win over Scunthorpe on January 21.

The Gosport lad has been an unused substitute in Pompey’s past nine games.

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Burgess is Pompey's most booked player this season, with Raggett and Ellis Harrison coming in next at seven apiece.

Tom Naylor, cautioned 14 times in all competitions last term, has six yellows to his name this campaign.

Alex Bass, James Bolton and Cameron McGeehan (all one) have been cautioned the fewest amount of times.

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