A red card in soccer is shown when a player commits a serious offense or gets a second yellow card in the same match. It means the player is sent off and cannot be replaced, so their team plays with one fewer player for the rest of the game.

Common reasons

  • Serious foul play, like a dangerous tackle.
  • Violent conduct, such as punching, kicking, headbutting, or biting.
  • Spitting at someone.
  • Denying an obvious goal-scoring chance, including with deliberate handball.
  • Offensive, insulting, or abusive language or gestures.
  • Getting a second yellow card in the same match.

What happens next

Once a red card is shown, the player is out for the rest of the match, and many competitions add a suspension for the next game or more.

Simple example

If a defender deliberately handles the ball to stop a sure goal, the referee can show a red card immediately.

TL;DR: You get a red card for a major foul, violent or abusive behavior, denying a clear goal chance, or by picking up two yellows in one match.