Jordan Ayew is suspended for Aston Villa’s first game for the year 2016. The Ghanaian received a fifth yellow card booking against Norwich City at Carrow Road triggering a game ban.
Aston Villa boss Remi Garde is annoyed by the bans especially with the Football Association’s yellow card amnesty starting on January 1 but is refusing to blame his players for their suspension.
Garde believes provocations from Norwich City players were a part to blame and backed his players who give 100 percent in games.
The Aston Villa manager said ahead of the game against Sunderland on Saturday:
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“I understood the big frustration of all the players. To be fair, it was the first game since I came that I feel that we didn't our keep our heads cool, but then I'm not sure it was only because of us.
“When you look at the two players who have been booked, Ashley and Jordan, I can't say to them you should have done more in terms of the energy you spend and what you show on the pitch.
“Because they are typically the kind of players who, when they are on the pitch, are 100 per cent, so I can't blame them.”
Aston Villa are still searching for a Premier League win since their opening day 1-0 victory against Christian Atsu’s AFC Bournemouth. Garde and his side will seek to start the new year with a win.