A red card means the player is immediately sent off and cannot stay in the match. Their team must play with one fewer player for the rest of the game, and the player usually faces a suspension for the next match or more, depending on the competition and offense.

What happens next

  • The player cannot be replaced by a substitute.
  • The team continues with 10 players on the field.
  • In many competitions, the player is suspended from at least the next game.

Why a red card is given

A referee can show a red card for serious foul play, violent conduct, spitting, denying a clear goal-scoring chance, or getting a second yellow card in the same match.

Simple example

If a defender handles the ball to stop an obvious goal, the referee may send them off with a red card, award a free kick or penalty, and the team must finish the match with 10 players.

TL;DR

Red card = sent off immediately, no replacement, team plays short-handed, and the player usually gets suspended afterward.