Graeme Shinnie believes he has been on the receiving end of some rough justice from referees as he prepares to sit out big games against Hibernian and Celtic.
The Dons skipper points to his booking against Rangers last month as one that grates with him, given that it rules him out of two crucial back-to-back games in the next fortnight.
Referee Bobby Madden booked Shinnie for a late foul on James Tavernier and the 26-year-old feels officials are too hasty when they see it is him involved.
He picked up a further yellow in the game against Ross County a week later and will now serve a two-game suspension.
Dons manager Derek McInnes alluded to the fact he feels some players get more leeway from referees than his captain and although Shinnie agrees, he is not prepared to change his game.
He said: “Not all my bookings have been harsh – I’ve had a good few I’ve deserved. But I feel four or five have been quite harsh and referees have been too quick to book me.
“The one at Rangers was a nothing foul. The guy has gone down too easily looking for the foul. I had made barely any tackles.
“It was the same at Ross County. The pressure was on them and they wanted a free kick on the edge of the box. The way I play the game in the midfield role isn’t going to change. Maybe it does build up a reputation, they would be able to tell you that.
“I just feel a few have been harsh. I’ve never been sent off and the way I like to play, I like to win the ball for my team.
“Three or four have been warranted but there’s some that have been harsh.
“The Rangers one means I miss the Hibs and Celtic games, which is so disappointing. I can’t change the way I am and I don’t think the management team would want to.
“Maybe the referees will read this and have a bit more leniency.”
He was able to play in the Scottish Cup tie with Dundee United last weekend – where he was booked again – but will serve the first game of his ban this weekend at Easter Road.