Hamza suspended after second yellow in Blades defeat

Bangladesh midfielder Hamza Chowdhury will miss Sheffield United’s next Championship match against Bristol City after being shown a controversial second yellow card in a 3-2 defeat by Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

Hamza was booked in the 33rd minute for a foul on Portsmouth winger Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, then received a second caution in the 43rd minute following a collision with the same opponent, leaving the visitors with 10 men. Under English Football League rules, a dismissal for two cautions carries an automatic one-match suspension. Nevertheless, Sheffield United fought back from a two-goal deficit to level at 2-2, only for Ebou Adams to strike in the 89th minute and snatch victory for Portsmouth.

Consequently, the Blades have 12 points from 10 matches and sit 15th in the table, while Portsmouth are 16th with 11 points from one fewer game. Meanwhile, manager Chris Wilder strongly criticised the referee, claiming that officials had initially indicated Hamza would not be sent off before reversing the decision following appeals from Portsmouth players.

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Furthermore, Mr Wilder argued that the contact amounted to ordinary physical play and questioned the consistency of refereeing decisions. Accordingly, Hamza’s absence will be a setback for Sheffield United as they prepare to face Bristol City on Saturday.