Mason Holgate is set to be suspended for Sheffield United’s game against Arsenal following a red card for a horror challenge on Kaoru Mitoma on Sunday.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton & Hove Albion receives medical treatment after being fouled by Mason Holgate of Sheffield United (not pictured), which leads to a red card during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Bramall Lane on February 18, 2024. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton & Hove Albion receives medical treatment after being fouled by Mason Holgate of Sheffield United (not pictured), which leads to a red card during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Bramall Lane on February 18, 2024. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

In the early afternoon Sunday fixture between Sheffield United and Brighton and Hove Albion, the hosts lasted just 13 minutes with 11 players on the field due to an awful challenge by defender Mason Holgate.

Holgate did appear to attempt to play the ball, with Kaoru Mitoma’s touch taking it out of the path of the defender’s right boot. But the follow-through caught Mitoma high up on his leg with studs.

Mitoma’s leg flung out at an awkward angle, and he was ultimately lucky that his foot wasn’t planted.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Referee Stuart Attwell checks the VAR screen for a red card for Mason Holgate of Sheffield United (not pictured), which was later given during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Bramall Lane on February 18, 2024. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Referee Stuart Attwell checks the VAR screen for a red card for Mason Holgate of Sheffield United (not pictured), which was later given during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Bramall Lane on February 18, 2024. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Holgate was sent off after a VAR review, and given the nature of the sending-off, the defender will now receive an automatic three-match ban.

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Sheffield United’s next three games are away to Wolves, at home to Arsenal, and away to Bournemouth, all in the Premier League.

The Blades have already been knocked out of the cups, so there are no other competitions for Holgate to serve his suspension in.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Mason Holgate of Sheffield United looks dejected after being red carded after a VAR review during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Bramall Lane on February 18, 2024. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Mason Holgate of Sheffield United looks dejected after being red carded after a VAR review during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Bramall Lane on February 18, 2024. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

As a result, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal won’t have to face Holgate when they take on Sheffield United next month.

If he’s going to be putting in challenges like this one, that’s certainly good news.

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