BY DARREN JOHNSTONE – Capital City Press
Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall is facing a three-match suspension for Cardiff City ahead of next month’s crucial Euro 2016 qualifiers after being red-carded in Saturday’s defeat to Rotherham.
The former Celtic keeper is expected to have the ban confirmed by the English FA today after he was dismissed for kicking out at Matt Derbyshire before the break in the 2-1 loss.
And that means Marshall will be short of competitive action prior to the final two Group D matches against Poland and Gibraltar on October 8 and 11 respectively.
Marshall, who also gave away a penalty by lashing out, will miss the Bluebirds’ games against Charlton and Brighton before the international break, then the clash with Preston on his return to club football.
The 30-year-old served a three-game ban at the start of this season after being shown a red card in May for pushing his head into Nottingham Forest’s Jamaal Lascelles.
Cardiff City manager Russell Slade said: “I’ve watched the incident on video and it clearly should have been a Cardiff free-kick because their player (Derbyshire) pulled Marshall.
“Yes, Marshall lashed out. It is a sending off, but not a penalty.
“Marshall left the ten out there in a difficult position and he will regret that. He is a good man, good professional, but sometimes a player sees red mist.
“Knowing the man he will have apologised to his team-mates. Marshall gave the referee no choice. I totally accept that.”
Despite fierce competition from both Craig Gordon and Allan McGregor for the Scotland number one jersey, Marshall has started all eight qualifying matches so far.
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