The red card in soccer
What kind of disciplinary measures and punishments are there in soccer? Just how bad is the infamous red card to a player? Find all the information here.
Soccer, like every sport, has certain rules players must follow. If the referee detects a violation of these rules at any point, he can impose various disciplinary measures. Mild offenses – such as small fouls – are punishable by verbal warnings and free kicks. More serious offenses, however, need more severe consequences. Referees can “book” players and show them either a yellow or red card. A yellow card warns a player they must be careful, while a red card sends them straight off the pitch.
When were yellow and red cards introduced?
Up until 1970, the referee exclusively disciplined players verbally. After language barriers in a 1966 World Cup match caused chaos during a verbal sending-off, it was decided that a more universal disciplinary system was needed. With that, yellow and red cards (based on traffic light colors) were introduced for the first time at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.
When does a player receive a red card?
Now you’ve learned what a red card is in soccer, when can a player receive one? In short, at any time during the game. This extends from the moment they step foot onto the pitch until the instant they leave, and includes the half-time interval, extra time, and penalty shootouts. Players, substitutes, and already-subbed players can all receive a red card for one of the following offenses:
- Preventing a clear goal-scoring opportunity with a handball (except the goalkeeper in their own penalty area), with foul play, or by entering the field without permission.
- Severe and dangerous foul play.
- Biting or spitting at another person.
- Assault or violent conduct.
- Offensive, insulting, or abusive actions.
- Entering the video operation room (VOR).
- Receiving a second yellow card in the same match (two yellows equal a red).
Illegally preventing a clear goal-scoring chance is called a “Notbremse” in the Bundesliga, which loosely means “putting on the emergency brakes”. It’s usually caused by the last player on the defending team, often the goalkeeper, and warrants an immediate red card. However, a red card may not be shown if the player is too far away from goal, if the tackler clearly tries to play the ball, or if there were other defenders in the vicinity that could have potentially intervened.
A goalkeeper will often be shown a yellow card instead of a red card, since they usually try to play the ball. This leniency has only been in force since 2016, before which goalkeepers could be sent off for a foul in the penalty box. This was known as the “double penalty” since the attacking team were awarded a penalty kick and the defending team’s keeper was removed from play.
Consequences of a red card: Suspensions and fines
The soccer red card rules dictate that if a player receives two yellow cards and is sent off, they are suspended from the next game. For straight reds, however, the duration of the suspension is decided on a case-by-case basis. This is determined by the DFB (German Football Association) Sports Court for Bundesliga games, and by the MLS governing body itself for all US league games.
If the referee has committed an error, suspensions can be overturned. Otherwise, a minimum of a one-game ban must be served. In extreme cases, suspensions can last up to several months. On top of a match ban, players typically receive fines of varying amounts.
How is a red card punishment determined?
The extent of the punishment depends on the severity of the offense. Previous incidents also play a factor in determining the punishment, as repeat offenders face more severe judgment. Standard cases usually include unsporting behavior, serious foul play, and violent conduct.
Unsporting behavior typically refers to less aggressive cases, such as a purposeful denial of a clear goal-scoring opportunity or holding an opponent. Players usually receive a single game ban, but this punishment carries with it a maximum six-month ban.
Serious foul play occurs when a player acts recklessly or carelessly when attempting to win the ball, accepting that they might injure their opponent. The suspension is a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of six months.
Violent conduct is the use of physical and malicious force, such as kicking, hitting, pushing, biting, or spitting. Severe cases draw a six-month ban, but extenuating circumstances – such as the gravity of the situation – can give the player a shorter sentence (the minimum is six weeks).
It’s possible for several incidents to coincide, leading to a longer ban. Here are the top five players who have served the longest bans across the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2:
- Levan Kobiashvili: 7 months
- Timo Konietzka: 6 months
- Hakan Calhanoglu: 4 months
- Erwin Kremers: 14 weeks
- Axel Kruse: 10 weeks
Can the coach receive a red card?
Yes, team officials can be sent off for certain offenses. In most cases, it’s the coach that gets booked, but assistant coaches and backroom staff can also be shown yellow and red cards. Bookings are distributed by the referee if team officials deliberately leave their respective technical zone – a marked box on the side of the field – or are confrontational towards the other team.
Members of the coaching staff can also be sent off for violent conduct and abusive behavior. Using unauthorized devices to communicate is also punishable by a red card, since teams can cheat and gain an unfair advantage over their opponents with illicit digital devices.
Red card records in the Bundesliga
Achieving records is something every player dreams about, right? Well, there are some players who would rather their record be broken as soon as possible! Jens Nowotny holds the all-time worst disciplinary record in the Bundesliga with five red cards and three yellows. Jerome Boateng, Vedad Ibisevic, Fernando Meira, and Thorsten Wohlert are the only other players to have been sent off five times in their Bundesliga careers.
The earliest red card in Bundesliga history was given in 2010 to Youssef Mohamad of FC Köln after just 93 seconds. This was not the fastest red card, however, as that feat belongs to Frankfurt player Marcel Tisch-Rivero. In 2011, he was sent off just 43 seconds after coming on as a substitute against Borussia Dortmund. That’s what a Notbremse will get you, no matter how long you’ve been on the pitch.
