Revealed: The Sunderland midfielder handed a one-game ban after Coventry draw

The caution, which Dobson was awarded late in the second half, was his fifth in League One this term, meaning he will now serve an automatic one-match ban.

That means the former Walsall ace will be absent for the visit of Burton Albion in midweek, but can then return for the visit to Gillingham next month.

Fellow midfielder Max Power is also on thin ice having picked up four bookings this term, but the cut-off point for accumulating five cautions is rapidly nearing meaning he could escape without punishment.

Sunderland have already lost Aiden McGeady and Conor McLaughlin to suspension this term after they were on the receiving end of five yellow cards. Chris Maguire served a similar ban in the Carabao Cup.