MK Dons defender Zak Jules has been given a three-match ban by the FA, following an off-camera incident in their recent League One clash with Port Vale, according to a club statement and statement from the FA themselves.
The 26-year-old has been an ever-present figure in the clubs backline this season, stepping in following the departure of Harry Darling last summer but will now serve a ban on the sidelines.
MK Dons currently sit 22nd in League One at the time of writing, four points off safety having played 35 of their 46 league games, two more than the side directly above the relegation zone (Accrington Stanley).
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) March 9, 2023
Jules has made 26 league appearances for MK Dons so far this season, scoring once for the club, during a 2-1 loss against Shrewsbury Town.
In cup competitions, the centre-back has made an additional nine appearances, again scoring once during an EFL Trophy group-stage defeat against Cheltenham Town.
The incident in question occurred during the 19th minute of last Saturday’s League One clash with Port Vale. The defenders actions were not seen by any of the match officials at the time but it was caught on camera and its now led to a three-match ban.
The defender admitted the charges and now will serve the equivalent of a three game ban, which means he will miss this weekend’s clash against Cambridge United as well as two further games against Accrington Stanley and Morecambe.
With their next three games, coming against sides in or around them in the relegation places, MK Dons have to be aiming for the maximum of nine points to give themselves as much of a chance of avoiding relegation to League Two, but the absence of Jules is a huge blow.
Writers View
Zak Jules is a key figure in MK Dons’ back-line and without him, there will be a gap over the next few games, especially with all three of their upcoming games being against sides also battling to avoid relegation this season.
I haven’t seen the incident in question, but with Jules agreeing to it, the right decision has evidently been made and the club need to regroup and find a way to get points on the board over the next few weeks.
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