Lee Cattermole has always been a player who likes a tackle and has rarely shirked controversy, but he's been discussing his current record with a degree of surprise recently.

The combative midfielder is one of the Black Cats stars to have remained with the club through their apparent demise and is still fighting hard in the centre of their League One midfield.

Of course he's been picking up bookings, eight in 14 matches to be precise, but he feels that in some aspects his reputation is causing referees to be a little less reticent when there's an element of doubt.

"It’s something I've always had but I play on the edge, I’ve always played competitively like that," Cattermole was quoted by the Sunderland Echo. "I’m going to pick yellow cards up, I’ve probably picked up more this season for soft yellow cards than I was expecting."

He believed that his tough tackling style would be suited to League One football, but has been surprised to find out that the opposite is true.

"When you come down the leagues you hear how competitive it is but I’ve been surprised at how soft yellow cards have been handed out."

The 30-year-old will find himself receiving a two-match suspension if he's booked twice more before Sunderland's 37th match. If he collects a total of fifteen, he'll also serve a three-match suspension in addition to the two games.

The Verdict

League One and League Two referees are inconsistent to say the least and there's some who will relish the opportunity to book Lee Cattermole. The difference is professionalism.

In the Premier League there are full time referees who adhere to strict standards and guidelines, but in League One and Two the officials are still part-time. In the main, they're very good, but there's always going to be one wanting a 'booking Lee Cattermole' story in the office on Monday morning.

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