Raith Rovers will have to do without the services of winger Joe Cardle for the next two matches after the player was handed a two-match ban by the SFA.
The suspension, expected to be confirmed today by the SFA’s disciplinary department, follows Cardle’s sending off during the Kirkcaldy club’s 2-1 home win over Dumbarton last weekend.
It means he will not only miss the home derby against Cowdenbeath on Saturday but will also see him sidelined for the trip to Livingston on Saturday, December 28, as Rovers seek to close the gap on league leaders Hamilton Accies and second-placed Dundee.
Cardle was shown a straight red card after an hour of Saturday’s match after catching Dumbarton’s Mark Gilhaney in the stomach with a high boot, although Rovers boss Grant Murray felt the conditions played a part in the player’s dismissal.
“Joe’s not a dirty player,” Murray said.
“He’s a winger and nine times out of 10 he’s the one getting tackles put into him, reckless challenges, so it’s one of those things.
“I didn’t think the reaction of the Dumbarton players helped the ref. We looked at it and I think with his standing foot slipping from him it doesn’t help him but that’s how the referee sees it.”
Referee Calum Murray has since recorded the incident as serious foul play, meaning a two-match immediate ban is on the cards.
Meanwhile, Raith defender Reece Donaldson has admitted that he would be happy to stay on loan at League Two Peterhead if he is not going to be starting at the Kirkcaldy side.
The 19-year-old has impressed during his loan spell at Balmoor where he has out in two man-of-the- match performances in his five games and has yet to taste defeat.
Donaldson said: “I am enjoying playing regularly and I am getting to know the boys better in every game. I am not sure what will happen next month when my loan expires as it really depends on what Raith want to do.”
“If I am not going to start games with them I would be happy to stay at Peterhead and get some more experience.”