Jonathan Douglas is unlikely to play any more part in Leeds United's relegation battle in the Championship.
Leeds are still waiting for the referee's report following the 2-1 defeat at Colchester when Douglas was shown a red card after the match was over.
The skipper had already picked up a yellow card which took him to 15 for the season and brings an automatic three-match ban, starting with the game at Southampton, but the red card will mean he is also absent for the visit of Burnley on Saturday and may take his ban into next season.
Douglas's ban is reminiscent of the red card picked up by Mark Viduka which saw the Aussie miss the final fight against relegation from the Pre-miership and, with Leeds back in the bottom three, may prove equally vital.
Leeds have a tough run-in, starting against Burnley, who have turned their season around over Easter, with the aid of Elland Road product Andy Gray and ex-United loanee Stephen Caldwell. After beating Leeds in November to go fourth, Burnley went 18 games without a win but have picked up a maximum nine points since then and look safe.
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