How many games will Andy Robertson miss after controversial Liverpool red card?

In only the third dismissal of his professional career, Andy Robertson was shown a red card early in Liverpool’s match against Fulham, leaving the team to play with 10 men for over 75 minutes. The shock was evident on Robertson’s face when referee Tony Harrington sent him off shortly after Andreas Pereira’s opening goal for Fulham at Anfield.

Despite VAR confirmation of the decision, it left Liverpool manager Arne Slot with a significant problem to address. With Kostas Tsimikas also unavailable due to suspension, Liverpool found themselves without their two primary left-back options and a goal down.

However, his red card will result in only a one-match ban. In this case, Robertson was deemed to have denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity by fouling Harry Wilson, who had capitalised on Robertson’s poor touch and was heading towards Allison in goal.

Fortunately for Slot, Robertson won’t miss any more Premier League action with a ban, and Liverpool’s Scottish cross-master will be back before long.

According to the rules, unlike serious foul play and violent conduct (both resulting in three-match bans), a foul of this nature only warrants a single game suspension. A clear handball stopping a goal also results in a one-game ban, while use of offensive language can lead to a two-game suspension.

For Liverpool, this means that Robertson will miss just one match. Due to fortunate scheduling, he will be suspended for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final trip to Southampton rather than next Sunday’s crucial match with Tottenham.

Robertson might have been rested for the match anyway, given Liverpool are strong favourites to progress. However, it does mean that Robertson will be eligible to play once more for the visit to north London.