Hull City’s appeal to overturn Joao Pedro’s red card has been unsuccessful, meaning the striker will serve a three-game suspension at a crucial stage of the Championship season.
Pedro was sent off just 14 minutes into Saturday’s match against Bristol City at Ashton Gate, moments after putting the Tigers ahead. The FA has upheld referee James Linington’s decision, ruling that the dismissal stands, leaving Hull without their top scorer for their next three fixtures.
The Brazilian will now miss Wednesday’s home clash against Oxford United, Saturday’s trip to West Brom, and the pivotal showdown against relegation-threatened Luton Town after the international break.
Selles Faces Selection Dilemma
Hull boss Ruben Selles now faces a tough decision on who will fill the void left by Pedro. The striker has been a key figure for the Tigers, and his absence will force Selles to reshuffle his attacking options.
“Mason is also a proper striker who played for us before in that position,” Selles told *Hull Live* when asked about his attacking alternatives.
“Things happen in football. Injuries happen, suspensions happen, and some other stuff happens in football, and then you need to be ready to act. As we do, we don’t make excuses; we will just attack the situation as it is. Someone will have the opportunity to step onto the pitch and make a difference for us.”
Selles has several players to choose from, with Mason Burstow, Joe Gelhardt, and Kyle Joseph all capable of leading the line. Additionally, midfielders Matt Crooks and Kasey Palmer could be deployed in more advanced roles to compensate for Pedro’s absence.
Pedro’s Influence and the Challenge Ahead
The loss of Pedro is a significant setback for Hull City, who are fighting to maintain their place in the Championship. His goals and physical presence have been crucial to the Tigers’ attacking play this season.
While the decision to uphold the red card is a blow, Hull will have to adapt quickly to avoid losing momentum. With three crucial fixtures ahead, the Tigers need their replacements to step up if they are to stay on track in their survival bid.
Writer’s View
Pedro’s suspension comes at the worst possible time for Hull City. The Tigers are in a delicate position in the Championship, and losing their top forward for three games could have a major impact on their campaign. Selles will need to be bold in his selections, and the likes of Burstow and Gelhardt must seize this opportunity. If Hull can navigate this tricky period without Pedro, it will be a testament to their squad depth and resilience.
