what's a red card do in soccer

A red card in soccer means a player is sent off and must leave the match immediately. Their team has to finish with one fewer player, and the player is usually suspended for the next game as well.

What it does

• The player cannot keep playing in that match.

• The team cannot replace that player, so it plays short-handed.

• It’s used for serious misconduct or for getting two yellow cards in one game.

Common reasons

• Serious foul play.
• Violent conduct.
• Spitting.
• Offensive or abusive language or gestures.
• Denying a clear goal-scoring chance, sometimes by handball or a foul.

Simple example

If a defender pulls down an attacker who is about to score, the referee may show a red card. That player is out, and the team keeps going with 10 players.

In one line: red card = immediate ejection from the game.