A red card in soccer means the player is sent off the field and cannot keep playing in that match. Their team must usually finish with 10 players, and the player may also face a suspension for the next game.

What it usually means

  • Serious foul play or violent conduct.
  • Spitting, abusive language, or other major misconduct.
  • Denying a clear goal-scoring chance, or getting a second yellow card.

Simple example

If a defender stops an attacker with a clearly illegal challenge, the referee may show a red card. That player leaves immediately, and the team is short- handed for the rest of the match.

Tiny rule contrast

  • Yellow card: warning.
  • Red card: ejection from the match.

TL;DR: red card = out of the game, usually with possible suspension too.