Derby County were dealt a late blow as captain Lewis Travis was sent off in the closing stages of their Sky Bet Championship clash with Ipswich Town at Pride Park, leaving the Rams to finish the game with 10 men in a contest that had been tightly contested throughout.
The red card ultimately compounded Derby’s frustrations in a match that could have swung either way.
Travis was shown the second yellow after a challenge on Darnell Furlong, who ended up on the ground holding his head as the midfielder tried to regain possession.
Referee Josh Smith deemed it a bookable offence, meaning Travis will now serve a one-match suspension and miss next weekend’s home clash with Swansea City.
Speaking after the game, John Eustace acknowledged his disappointment with the decision and said he would review the incident before deciding whether any internal action was necessary.
“Obviously I felt there was a very early booking right at the start of the game, which kind of set the tone for how the referee wanted to do things, which is fine,” he said.
“Everyone’s then on tenterhooks really. I think you’ve got to realise the scale of the game and that’s what it’s all about.”
“I am disappointed that he’s been shown that second yellow, and when I watch it back, if he has deliberately fell on the lad, then he’ll get punished.”
The match itself remained finely balanced for long periods.
Derby defended resolutely and created moments of threat through quick transitions, but several decisions drew attention from fans and staff, including a first-half offside call against Patrick Agyemang that allowed Ipswich to take a free-kick deep inside Derby’s half.
While the Rams maintained structure and intensity, the late red card disrupted their rhythm and left them vulnerable in the final stages.
Travis’ influence on Derby this season has been clear. Since taking the armband, the former Blackburn Rovers midfielder has been the heartbeat of the side, combining energy, composure, and leadership in midfield.
He constantly organises teammates, ensuring the team maintains shape and discipline, and drives forward with intensity that sets the standard for the rest of the squad.
Losing him for the Swansea trip will be a tactical and leadership challenge, requiring others to step up in both control and vocal presence.
Despite the dismissal, Derby’s disciplinary record this season has been strong, highlighting that this was an unusual incident rather than indicative of a wider problem.
Eustace’s measured response reflected that perspective, focusing on review and accountability rather than criticism in the heat of the moment.
With the Championship schedule moving quickly, the Rams now turn their attention to recovery and preparation.
Eustace and his players are determined to regroup, respond positively to the setback, and carry the lessons from Pride Park into their next home encounter with Swansea.
