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Red cards
Clear Line

Red cards

Red cards are most commonly issued for four types of incidents: denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, serious foul play, violent conduct and second yellow cards. We examine what referees must consider in their decision-making, and where VAR should intervene if required.
Overview Goal-scoring opportunity Serious foul play Violent conduct Second yellow Overview Goal-scoring opportunity Serious foul play Violent conduct Second yellow

 

Red-card incidents are among the most significant decisions in football and require referees to assess whether an offence meets the threshold for a player to be sent off.

Depending on the nature of the incident, match officials must evaluate a range of factors, including: the likelihood of a goalscoring opportunity, the intensity and point of contact of a challenge, the use of force, and the potential risk to an opponent's safety.

This section explains the key considerations used by referees and VARs when assessing incidents that may result in a red card. The real-life video examples illustrate how key principles are applied in practice and highlight the situations where VAR should, and should not, intervene.

Explore the relevant sections to understand:

  • How officials determine whether a player has denied an obvious goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO)
  • The factors used to assess serious foul play, including force, intensity and danger to an opponent
  • When an action constitutes violent conduct, including off-the-ball incidents and acts committed when not challenging for the ball
  • The considerations applied when assessing offences that lead to a second yellow card and subsequent dismissal

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