Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe believes Jefferson Lerma has received unfair treatment from referee's this season.

The Colombian was sent off following two cautions after 51 minutes in Saturday's win over Aston Villa.

He has been booked 11 times so far this season.

Howe said: "I think some of the bookings this season have been very harsh. I think other players wouldn't have ended up with the same punishment that he has.

"Unfortunately for Jeff, he has put himself in that position and it is very difficult I think to change peoples' opinions.

"I think referees are looking out for him. I thought on Saturday, any other player committing that (second) foul, that wouldn't have been a yellow card in my opinion."

He added: "I think there have been one or two where I would be critical of Jeff in terms of how he has ended up getting booked, and they are the ones not really involving tackles.

"Tackles are part of his game and you cannot get him to second-guess himself – he just has to play naturally.

"But it's certainly something that if we can improve it and stop him getting suspended then we would love to do it, but we can't take away his game."