A player who gets a red card is sent off immediately, cannot be replaced, and their team must play with one fewer player for the rest of the match. In many competitions, that player is also suspended for at least the next game, with harsher bans possible for serious misconduct.

What it means

A red card is the strongest in-game punishment in soccer. It can be shown for serious foul play, violent conduct, spitting, offensive language, denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, or getting a second yellow card in the same match.

Match impact

  • The player leaves the field right away.
  • The team cannot bring on a replacement for that player.
  • The team plays with 10 players for the rest of the match.
  • If the red card came from two yellows, the second yellow turns into a red and still causes the same dismissal.

After the match

A red card usually leads to a suspension for the next match, and the exact length depends on the competition and the offense. Some cases can lead to extra games out or fines if the incident is serious enough.

Simple example

If a defender stops a clear goal with a deliberate handball, the referee can show a red card. That player is out immediately, the team finishes with 10 players, and the player may miss the next match too.

TL;DR: red card = sent off, no substitute, team plays short, and the player usually faces suspension next.