what does a yellow card do in soccer

A yellow card in soccer is a formal warning from the referee for a rule breach or unsporting behavior. The player usually stays in the game, but a second yellow in the same match becomes a red card and sends the player off.

What it means

A yellow card tells the player to be more careful for the rest of the match. It is often called being booked.

Common reasons

Referees may show a yellow card for things like:

• Reckless tackles.
• Dissent toward the referee.
• Time-wasting.
• Simulation or diving.
• Unsporting behavior.

Why it matters

One yellow card does not usually remove a player from the match, but it can change how they play because they have to avoid a second caution. In some competitions, yellow cards also add up across matches and can lead to a suspension.

In short: yellow means warning; red means out.