If Sokratis Papastathopoulos receives a yellow card against Everton on April 7th, he’ll receive a two-match suspension as a result.

Arsenal FC v AFC Bournemouth Premier League 1551347637
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 27: Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2019, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

There have been some changes to the rules around the accumulation of yellow cards this season, making them more competition-specific. In the Premier League, it works as follows:

  • 5 yellow cards before the cut-off date after 19 league fixtures = 1 match ban
  • 10 yellow cards before the cut-off date after 32 league fixtures = 2 match ban
  • 15 yellow cards before the end of the season = 3 match ban

This season, the second cut-off date is after the conclusion of the next round of Premier League fixtures, during which Arsenal play Everton. Gunners defender Sokratis currently has nine yellow cards, meaning one more in that game would result in a two-match ban.

There’s been some confusion about exactly when the cut-off date is. However, Luke Shaw’s ban as a result of his 10th yellow in Manchester United’s 32nd fixture on Tuesday proves Sokratis is still at risk this Sunday, as Arsenal have only played 31 games so far.

A suspension would mean the Greek international missing Arsenal’s trip to Watford and the home match against Crystal Palace.