Sviatchenko baffled by number of bookings

Erik Sviatchenko is shocked by the number of yellow cards he has picked up since joining Celtic in January.

The 24-year-old centre-back has picked up five cautions since his arrival two months ago, four of which have come in the league.

Sviatchenko has made 10 appearances so far since his move from Midtjylland and has shown fans the passion they desire from players that wear the Hoops jersey, but is surprised by the number of cautions he has received.

He has found himself treading on a tight-rope as he is one yellow card away from a suspension in the league and he isn’t pointing the finger at anyone over the cautions.

As quoted by Danish outlet Bold, he said:

I do not think it has much to do with the referees. I tend not to get that many yellow cards, and I honestly do not have a precise explanation for it, but it may be something to do with transitioning into a new league.

 Some of the yellow cards have been a little harsh, while others have been on the edge. In Denmark, I knew all the teams and attackers, which is not the case here, and probably I have been a little ill-prepared.

It’s a problem I would have to adjust my game, because my game depends on my anticipation.

With the season run-in likely to be tense for fans, the last thing they will want to see is another player picking up a red card.

Celtic have been given five red cards this season, three of which defenders have received.

Sviatchenko went on to say that he isn’t afraid about the possibility of being sent off when he is on a yellow card and isn’t fazed by the added pressure.

I have not had any problem playing with a yellow card to my name as early as nine minutes into a match. I can handle the pressure without risking a sending off.

Celtic and the Danish international will be in action again on April 2nd against Hearts at Paradise, following the first international break of the year in preparation of the upcoming European Championships.