Law 12·cards

Red Card & Serious Foul Play

A red card is shown for serious foul play, violent conduct, denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, or using offensive language. The player is sent off and cannot be replaced.

The full rule

Serious foul play involves a tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent using excessive force or brutality. Violent conduct is when a player strikes or attempts to strike someone. Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity — known as DOGSO — applies when a defender stops an attacker who was clearly through on goal, either by a foul or handball. A player sent off cannot be substituted; their team plays with ten men for the rest of the match.

Key points

✓Serious foul play: excessive force or brutality in a challenge
✓DOGSO: stopping a clear goalscoring chance with a foul or handball
✓Violent conduct applies even off the ball
✓Two yellow cards in the same match also result in a red
✓Sent-off players cannot be replaced — team plays with ten

Scenarios

Last defender pulls back attacker through on goal

An attacker breaks through one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The last outfield defender grabs their shirt to stop them.

Correct call: Red card for DOGSO. The attacker had an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and it was denied by a foul.

Common mistake: Only giving a yellow card because the foul seemed minor. The severity of the foul is irrelevant — it is the denial of the opportunity that matters.

Verdict:foul

High boot near opponent's face

A player raises their boot to control a high ball and their studs make contact with an opponent's face.

Correct call: Red card for serious foul play. Excessive force was used regardless of intent.

Common mistake: Giving only a yellow because it looked accidental. Intent is not required for serious foul play — the danger of the action is what counts.

Verdict:foul

Goalkeeper saves but defender was last man

An attacker is through on goal, the last defender fouls them, but the goalkeeper was also back.

Correct call: Yellow card only. With the goalkeeper present, it is not DOGSO as there were two defenders — the last outfield player was not the last man.

Common mistake: Giving a red card without considering the goalkeeper counts as a defender.

Verdict:no-foul