Liverpool star already facing suspension fear as Premier League rules explained

One Liverpool star caught the attention of referees in the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign

Ryan Gravenberch is going to have to tread carefully moving forwards, otherwise it could spell trouble for Liverpool later on in the season. The midfielder's performances may have helped the Reds establish an early lead at the top of the Premier League but it could soon end at a cost.

Liverpool were without their Dutch star for the opening day fixture against Bournemouth because of a suspension carried over from last season. Gravenberch was shown a straight red card for denying final day opponents Crystal Palace a clear goalscoring opportunity after bringing down Daichi Kamada.

Against Bournemouth, with Gravenberch subsequently missing, Arne Slot's side almost threw away the win by conceding twice to counter attacks - something Gravenberch proved efficient at stopping after bring repurposed into a defensive midfielder by his new head coach last year.

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He returned for following the visit to Newcastle United, scoring the Reds' opener in their 3-2 victory, and played an important role in narrowly beating Arsenal at Anfield over one week later.

But both fixtures came with their heated moments, and Gravenberch was suckered into traps laid by the opposition.

Against Newcastle he picked up his first yellow card of the season just eight minutes after kick-off. With St. James' Park full of emotional Magpies supporters unhappy with what, at the time, was Alexander Isak's impending transfer to the Reds, the 23-year-old got drawn into a crunching challenge on Bruno Guimaraes.

Then when he was playing against the Gunners, Gravenberch cynically brought down Riccardo Calafiori as he made a burst of speed towards the Liverpool penalty area.

With two yellow cards from two outings, the Netherlands international is now going to be looking over his shoulder until at least match week 19.

Under Football Association rules, a player must not accumulate five bookings before that halfway point in the Premier League season. If they do then they are punished with a one-game suspension from domestic competitions.

Liverpool return to action this weekend when they face Burnley at Turf Moor. They may be expected to beat a newly-promoted opponent but a hostile away atmosphere could easily prompt a mistake.

Following that, Everton visit Anfield for the first Merseyside derby of the season for Liverpool's next league match - a fixture that typically keeps referees on their toes.

Liverpool then face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park - a venue where they have not won by more than one goal since 2022, and finally either side of the international break are matches against Chelsea away, and Manchester United at home.

Gravenberch is going to have to be on his best behaviour to avoid a potential suspension, especially to ensure one does not coincide with those last two fixtures against big rivals.

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