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Joe Mewis

Derby County boss Phillip Cocu slams Rams forward for picking up suspension ahead of Leeds United trip

Derby County head coach Phillip Cocu has spoken of his disappointment at Rams forward Tom Lawrence after his fifth booking of the season ruled him out of next weekend's trip to Elland Road.

Leeds United host Cocu's side on Saturday in a repeat of last season's play-off semi-final, but the Rams will have to make do without Lawrence after a yellow card against Cardiff City in Friday's night's 1-1 draw for a challenge on Sean Morrison in the closing minutes earned him a one-match suspension.

That was Lawrence's fifth red card in just seven Championship games this season and Cocu commented on the caution following the match.

"That is too many for a winger," Cocu said.

"I like the players to be aggressive, but seven games and five bookings, it is a lot."

Lawrence was also booked against Huddersfield Town, Stoke City, West Brom and Brentford, with Cardiff boss Neil Warnock believing Friday night's yellow should have been a red card.

“The only disappointment for me was that Lawrence didn’t get a red card," former Leeds boss Warnock said after the 1-1 draw.

"The referee should look out for that, they’re nasty tackles, and referees should be taught about these things.

“They’re the ones for me, it’s the over the top, the ones that break your leg.

"It was a horrible tackle."

The point means that Derby have dropped down to 19th place in the Championship table following Saturday's results.

Lawrence started both legs of the play-off semi-final back in May and was booked in each match.

Visit our  dedicated Leeds United page  for the latest news, views and analysis from Elland Road.

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