The Card System in Football: Yellow and Red Card Rules

The card system was introduced at the 1970 World Cup and has remained an integral part of football ever since.

Yellow Card

A yellow card is considered a warning. It is shown in the following cases: rough play, unsporting behavior, verbal dissent against referee decisions, intentionally slowing down the game, failing to maintain the required distance during corner kicks or throw-ins, and unauthorized entry or exit from the field.

Red Card

A red card sends a player off the field. Two yellow cards automatically turn into a red card. A direct red card is given for: serious foul play, violent conduct, spitting at an opponent or any other person, blocking a goal with the hand, or denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (via a foul).

Consequences

Be careful when receiving a yellow card — a second one will send you off the field. When receiving a red card, the player is also unable to play in the next game(s). In some competitions, accumulating three yellow cards also leads to a one-game suspension.

Discipline is an important part of football — avoid cards and play in the spirit of fair play.