Steve Cooper is set to miss Leicester City’s crucial Premier League clash against Ipswich Town on Saturday, following a suspension that will keep him away from the touchline.
Leicester, looking to bounce back after a heavy 5-2 defeat to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup, will be without their manager’s presence in what is shaping up to be a vital fixture in the fight against relegation.
The decision to make sweeping changes against United on Wednesday — nine alterations from the previous line-up against Nottingham Forest — proved costly for Cooper.
With key starters rested, Leicester struggled and suffered a tough loss. Many of those fringe players will not feature in the line-up on Saturday as Leicester aim for stability in the league.
According to BBC journalist Owynn Palmer-Atkin, Cooper’s absence on the touchline this weekend is a direct consequence of the Welshman’s third yellow card this season.
During the heated clash with United, Cooper was spotted arguing with officials over the decision to let United’s second goal stand, an incident that eventually led to his booking.
His post-match comments indicated he felt strongly about the officiating, hinting at the frustrations that led to his confrontation with the officials.
Cooper’s return to the dugout will be after the upcoming international break, just in time for Leicester’s fixture against Chelsea, a reunion that promises added intrigue with former Foxes’ boss Enzo Maresca and ex-player Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall now on the opposing side.
This season’s rules regarding touchline behaviour, introduced in 2023/24 to curb managerial dissent, mean that coaches can receive yellow and red cards just like players.
However, the thresholds are stricter for managers; three yellow cards trigger a one-match ban, while players require five for the same consequence.
Accumulating eight yellow cards could see managers facing a two-match suspension, while 16 cards would lead to a three-game ban and a formal FA misconduct hearing.
Despite his suspension, Cooper is allowed to view the match, likely from the directors’ box at Portman Road or another designated area, though he’ll be distanced from the action and unable to influence his team directly from the sidelines.
