Birmingham City braced for Christoph Klarer blow after Bolton game
Birmingham City could lose Christoph Klarer to suspension in the coming weeks after the defender was cautioned for the fourth time in League One
Key defender Christoph Klarer picked up his fourth League One booking of the season in Birmingham City’s 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers – meaning he is now one caution away from a suspension.
Referee Stephen Martin brandished a yellow card in Klarer’s direction in the 87th minute of the match at St Andrew’s after the Austrian committed a foul. Klarer is the first Blues player to walk the disciplinary tightrope this season.
Klarer, who is captaining Blues in the absence of central defensive partner Krystian Bielik, also received a caution in the win at Lincoln on Saturday. The 24-year-old’s other bookings came against Leyton Orient and Wrexham.
READ: Chris Davies rules player out for 'a few weeks' as Blues dealt double injury blow
READ: Ian Evatt pays Blues the ultimate compliment after Bolton were outclassed
Should Klarer receive another booking in one of Blues’ next eight League One fixtures he will face a one-match ban. The first yellow card amnesty of the season comes after 19 league fixtures.
Klarer was also booked in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy victory over Shrewsbury Town but that doesn’t count towards his league tally. Any ban Klarer incurs through bookings in League One can only be served in the same competition.
Blues manager Chris Davies will hope Klarer can avoid a suspension until Bielik returns from injury. If not, Dion Sanderson would have to partner Ben Davies in Klarer’s absence.