Freddie Potts to Miss Three Premier League Games After West Ham Red Card
West Ham United midfielder Freddie Potts has been handed a three-match suspension in the Premier League following his straight red card in the club’s FA Cup fourth-round victory over Burton Albion. The dismissal came in dramatic fashion at the Pirelli Stadium, where West Ham edged past League One side Burton 1-0 courtesy of Crysencio Summerville’s extra-time winner, only for Potts to see red minutes later for a reckless tackle on Burton’s Julian Larsson. (Hammers News)
Why the Suspension?
While the match was a cup tie, the rules on red cards mean that red card suspensions carry over into league fixtures — especially when deemed for serious foul play. Potts’s challenge was judged dangerous enough by referee Lewis Smith to warrant a straight red, which triggers the standard three-match ban under Premier League disciplinary rules for serious foul play. (fantasyfootballscout.co.uk)
The Three Premier League Matches He Will Miss
According to the official Premier League schedule and the confirmation of the ban, Potts will be unavailable for West Ham’s next three top-flight games:
- West Ham United vs Bournemouth – 21 February 2026 at the London Stadium
- Liverpool vs West Ham United – 28 February 2026 at Anfield
- Fulham vs West Ham United – 4 March 2026 at Craven Cottage (Hammers News)
These fixtures represent a tough stretch for the Irons, with both the trip to Liverpool and the London derby at Fulham presenting stern tests.
Impact on West Ham’s Campaign
Potts, 22, has become an important squad player for head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, particularly as West Ham grapple with injuries and inconsistency in midfield this season. His absence over this period adds to the challenges facing West Ham, who are striving for Premier League stability and a climb away from the relegation fight. (Hammers News)
With Pablo Felipe also sidelined through injury, Nuno’s options in central midfield will be stretched. Soungoutou Magassa and Mohamadou Kante are among those likely to be considered to fill the gap, but neither has yet fully established themselves as automatic starters. (Hammers News)
Reaction and Controversy
The red card itself has sparked debate among fans and pundits. Some felt the decision harsh, with referee Smith initially appearing ready to show Potts a yellow card before opting for red after protests from the Burton players. Ex-referee Keith Hackett has even suggested the official may have erred in the decision-making process. (Football Insider)
Nuno Espirito Santo, meanwhile, stopped short of arguing the referee’s call in his post-match comments, instead defending Potts’s general character as a fair, non-violent player who simply made an errant challenge. (Sky Sports)
Looking Ahead
Potts’s suspension means he’ll miss key Premier League battles that could define West Ham’s season. The Bournemouth fixture offers a chance for points at home, but the trip to Liverpool is a stern test, followed by another London encounter with Fulham. His return — scheduled after the March 4 game — couldn’t come at a more crucial time as West Ham look to gather momentum in the closing weeks of the season. (Hammers News)
For now, West Ham will hope other squad members rise to the occasion in Potts’s absence, as the fallout from that late red card continues to shape their Premier League campaign. (Hammers News)
