Leeds United could only manage to draw 1-1 with Sunderland at Elland Road yesterday.
Berardi lunged into a two-footed challenge during the contest, and was shown a straight red.
Heckingbottom wondered if the Swiss defender had seen red, before making the decision to lunge into the tackle.
However, Berardi apparently told Heckingbottom that he was going for the ball, but miss-timed his lunge.
“He’s been honest. I’ve pulled him because I’m disappointing and upset about it and I questioned whether he lost his head,” Heckingbottom revealed.
“He said that he has gone for the ball, but he did catch him. I don’t think there’s intent, but it’s a bad tackle and he’s admitted that himself.”
Berardi has now picked up three red cards this season, which leads to questions over his discipline.
The full-back’s passion has always won admirers at Leeds, but he has over-stepped the mark on too many occasions now.
Berardi is now facing a five match ban, which means that he will miss the remainder of Leeds’ campaign, which will leave Heckingbottom having to find another left-back.
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