Gold Coast United's Steve Pantelidis has defended himself over a spate of yellow cards this season.

The former Melbourne Victory man picked up his sixth booking of the season in United's 2-1 win over Perth Glory on Sunday but believes he has been harshly treated on some occasions.

"I think I was a bit unlucky with the card," he said of the challenge on Glory captain Jacob Burns.

"There was no intent on hurting him. I had my eyes on the ball and maybe I just mistimed my jump a bit and led a bit with my elbow."

The 25-year old says the reputation he has now gained is an unfair one, as he believes he is just competitive.

"It looks like I have a reputation now and referees pick up on that and I don't receive much leniency," he added.

"The word is out on me. I was reading a few blogs last night and they were saying 'Muscy's (Kevin Muscat) almost gone now, but there's a new Muscy -- and his name is Steve Pantelidis'.

"People think I'm a hardman but that's not really the case. I just go for the ball, even if I'm not favourite to get it."