A red card in soccer means the player is sent off immediately and cannot stay in the match. Their team must finish with one fewer player, and the player is usually suspended for at least the next game.

What it means

  • The player leaves the field right away.
  • They cannot be replaced by another player.
  • The team plays the rest of the match with 10 players instead of 11.

Why it happens

A referee can show a red card for serious foul play, violent conduct, spitting, denying an obvious goal-scoring chance, offensive language or gestures, or after a second yellow card in the same match.

What happens next

  • The player is out for the rest of that game.
  • They usually miss at least the next match.
  • The suspension can be longer depending on the competition and the offense.

Simple example

If a defender pulls down an attacker who is clearly through on goal, the referee may show a red card. That player is ejected, and their team must try to defend with 10 players for the rest of the match.

TL;DR: red card = immediate ejection, no substitution, and usually a suspension for the next match.