JAMIE VARDY has been blocked from making his Burnley debut versus Wrexham after picking up a suspension in Italy.
A little-known rule means that the 39-year-old will serve a one-match ban for picking up too many yellow cards for Cremonese.
Vardy had been expected to feature against the Red Dragons just days after signing with the Clarets.
But his name was missing from Burnley’s teamsheet on Tuesday as he picked up five yellow cards in Serie A last season, as per the Daily Mail.
The ex-England striker picked up his fifth booking of the season in Cremonese’s last game of the season against Como.
His suspension is particularly perplexing as Championship rules dictate that a ban will only be triggered if a player picks up five yellow cards in the first 19 matches.
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This is then extended to a two-match ban if a player picks up 10 bookings up to the 37th game, growing to three matches on the sidelines for 15 yellow cards across a season.
Vardy’s former club suffered a disappointing 4-1 home loss as they were relegated to Serie B.
He scored seven goals in 29 appearances during his season in Serie A with Cremonese.
The forward had been linked with a move to Everton before ultimately settling on a move to Turf Moor.
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Tuesday 8 September
Southampton
2 – 0
Live HT
Swansea
Watford
0 – 1
Live HT
Preston
Wrexham
0 – 1
Live HT
Burnley
Blackburn
1 – 2
Live HT
Sheff Utd
Cardiff
0 – 1
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Stoke
Bolton
2 – 2
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West Ham
Sunday 6 September
Birmingham
2 – 2
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Wolves
Saturday 5 September
Swansea
0 – 0
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Wrexham
West Ham
3 – 0
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Derby
West Brom
1 – 0
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Watford
Sheff Utd
1 – 3
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Norwich
QPR
0 – 1
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Middlesbrough
English Football League – Championship
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Former Premier League winner Vardy is expected to become the Clarets’ first-choice striker after being handed the number nine jersey.
His move came about after a deadline day deal was reached for Zian Flemming to join Ipswich in the Premier League.
Vardy’s one-year deal includes the option for a second season if Burnley are promoted.
He was spotted with his new teammates at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground, despite being ineligible to play.
The Clarets sit bottom of the Championship with two draws and three defeats in their opening games of the Championship season.
Striker Vardy is expected to be available for Burnley’s visit to Swansea on Saturday.