A player gets a red card for a serious rule break, which means they are sent off immediately and their team plays with one fewer player.

Common reasons include:

  • serious foul play, like a dangerous tackle
  • violent conduct, such as punching or kicking
  • spitting at someone
  • denying an obvious goal-scoring chance
  • offensive, insulting, or abusive language or gestures
  • getting a second yellow card in the same match

Simple example

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

What happens next

After a red card, the player must leave the field right away, and they usually face a suspension for later matches.

TL;DR: A red card is given for major misconduct or a second yellow, and it removes the player from the match immediately.