Aston Villa boss Unai Emery revealed his decision to take off Nicolo Zaniolo at half-time of the 3-1 win over Luton on Sunday was part protection and part tactical.
Zaniolo, who is currently subject to an Italian Prosecutor's Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) probe in relation to illegal betting activity, was withdrawn at the interval with his side 1-0 up.
The Italian had been booked so Emery said that played a part in the thinking to replace him with Leon Bailey.
Emery said: "It's 50 (per cent) tactically and 50 yellow card. The second half was the same with (Matty) Cash and (Boubacar) Kamara.
"It was a match with lots of duels and long balls, second actions. It was very tight, the fight between the players and I didn't want two players to fight and get second yellows."
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