West Ham United’s head coach Julen Lopetegui faces a touchline suspension for the upcoming Premier League encounter against Arsenal at home.
The struggling Hammers manager received a yellow card from referee Craig Pawson during the 21st minute of their away fixture at Newcastle United on Monday evening. The Spanish coach expressed his disagreement when his forward Crysencio Summerville was called for an infringement near the Magpies’ penalty area in a promising attacking position.
Having previously accumulated cautions in matches against Liverpool and Everton this season, he has now reached the three-card limit that triggers an automatic one-match suspension for Premier League managers, forcing him to miss the upcoming clash with the Gunners at month’s end.
His frustration may have been justified, as Sky Sports commentator Andy Hinchcliffe noted during the broadcast: “There’s clear contact with the ball, so you can understand the frustration from both the coach and Summerville.”
Beyond his disciplinary issues, Lopetegui has faced mounting criticism as West Ham occupied 14th position with 12 points before the international break. Following his appointment as David Moyes’ successor in the summer, expectations in East London were set higher than what has been delivered thus far.