A player can get a red card for serious foul play, violent conduct, spitting, denying an obvious goal-scoring chance, offensive/abusive language or gestures, or by getting a second yellow card in the same match. A red card means immediate ejection and the player cannot be replaced.

Common red-card offenses

  • Serious foul play, like a dangerous tackle that endangers an opponent.
  • Violent conduct, such as punching, kicking, or headbutting.
  • Spitting at an opponent or another person.
  • Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, including by deliberate handball in some cases.
  • Offensive, insulting, or abusive language or gestures.
  • A second yellow card in the same match, which turns into a red.

What it means in the game

A straight red usually leaves the team with one fewer player for the rest of the match. In many competitions, it can also trigger a suspension in later games.

Simple example

If a defender pulls down an attacker who is clearly through on goal, that can be a red-card offense because it denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

TL;DR: red cards are for major misconduct or a second caution, and they send the player off immediately.