Lewis Dunk has become the first player of the 2025‑26 Premier League season to receive a two‑match ban after accumulating 10 yellow cards. The Brighton and Hove Albion defender was booked for time‑wasting in his side’s 2‑1 victory over Liverpool, pushing him past the threshold for disciplinary action for the second time this season, after a one‑match ban for five yellows before 3 January.

Until the 19th match of the season, a player received a one‑match ban after five yellow cards. After that point, the threshold rose to ten yellow cards, but the punishment doubled to two matches. Yellow cards earned before 3 January carried over, while those on four cards are no longer one card away from suspension until they reach nine.

Players who have reached 15 yellow cards will face a three‑match suspension, tightening the discipline regime. Currently, four players sit just one card short of a two‑match ban, while several others are only two bookings away from a suspension, putting pressure on managers to manage caution levels.

Dunk’s suspension will sideline him for Brighton’s next two fixtures, potentially weakening their defensive line. The