A yellow or red card can change the course of a game, so a referee must know when to give it. There are clear rules given by IFAB on when to give a card, but there are also mitigating circumstances and game management which must be considered for the ‘spirit’ of the game. In this article, we will explore the nuances of card-giving in football and the factors that influence referees' decisions. If you’d like more help on the field, the REFSIX app has in built logic that prevents errors when giving out cards. Download today for free.

What is a yellow or red card?

Before we dive into the specific situations that warrant these cards, let's clarify the significance of yellow and red cards in football:

Yellow Card: a warning issued by the referee to a player as a caution. Two yellow cards to the same player in one match results in a red card, leading to their expulsion from the game.
Red Card: signifies a player's dismissal from the match. It is issued for serious offences and any action that brings the game into disrepute. A red-carded player cannot be replaced, leaving their team short-handed for the remainder of the game.

Reasons to give yellow cards

There are four main reasons for giving a yellow card during a game:

1. Unsporting behaviour such as diving to simulate a foul, time-wasting (e.g., excessively delaying a free-kick), or showing disrespect to the referee through dissent

2. Persistent Infringements such as consistently committing fouls or infractions, the referee may issue a yellow card to communicate that their behaviour is unacceptable and must change

3. Cynical Foul to Break Up an Attack: When a player intentionally fouls an opponent to disrupt a promising attack, it often results in a yellow card. This is also known as a "professional foul”

4. Denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO). In situations where a player fouls an opponent who is about to score a goal, the referee may opt for a yellow card if the foul is not overly aggressive or violent.

Reasons to give a red card

There are five main reasons for giving a yellow card during a game:

1. Serious foul play including reckless tackles, involving excessive force, or endangering the safety of an opponent.

2. Violent conduct such as striking an opponent, kicking, or elbowing, merits a red card. These actions pose a significant danger to the safety of the players involved.

3. Spitting at an opponent or official on the field is considered a grave offence and typically leads to an immediate red card.

4. Denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO). The difference here between giving a yellow or red for DOGSO is if a player commits a foul that denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, and is reckless or violent.

5. Second yellow card - receiving a second yellow card in the same match automatically leads to a red card and the player's ejection.

Game management

When determining whether to issue a yellow or red card, context is crucial. The severity of the offence, the impact on the game, and the intent behind the action all play a part in the referee's decision-making. Additionally, the emotional climate of the match, the stage of the competition, and the player’s history of conduct can influence a referee's judgment. Put together this is called game management.

This is the most difficult concept to understand when thinking about giving a yellow or red card. Often a referee learns about these nuances only after becoming more experienced. In general, giving yellow cards too early in a game, or without giving a warning for smaller infringements, will ensure a referee doesn’t change the course of the game unnecessarily.

Conclusion

REFSIX helps you record red and yellow cards so you don’t have to remember who’s had what during the game. The app reminds you if you’re about to give too many yellow cards, reducing the risk of errors. Download for free today.

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