Few things are as demoralizing as receiving a red card in soccer. You’re sent from the field of play by the referee, and your teammates now have to play on with one player less.
But what happens after the red card? Do you have to stay in the locker room? Or can you return to the bench and rejoin your teammates? Let’s find out.
What happens after a red card in soccer?
After you’re shown a red card in soccer, you must leave the field right away. Most players head to the locker room and go for a shower before waiting for the match to finish. You’re not allowed to return to the field to watch the remainder of the game in pro soccer, but in the amateur game, you can stand on the sidelines as a spectator. We take a look at what happens after a red card in detail below.
Can a player return to the bench after a red card?
If a player is sent off in a game of soccer, they must leave the field and are not permitted to sit on the bench. The rules of the game stipulate that coaches and substitutes can be sent off, too, meaning they would also have to leave the bench if they were shown a red card.
Most people who receive a red card head straight to the locker room to get showered and changed, waiting for their teammates to finish the game. In pro soccer, a player may choose to go to a different section of the stadium, but they’re not permitted to return to the pitch-side.
If you get sent off in amateur soccer, the referee can’t stop you from standing near the field as a spectator, but you aren’t permitted to stand by your coach or teammates. When you get a red card, you should respect the referee’s decision and move away from the field of play.
If you try and return to the bench or show dissent, you will only make things worse for yourself in the long run.
Tip: If you’re not sure about the difference between yellow and red cards in soccer, our recent post explains everything you need to know in detail, so be sure to check it out!
Do you get fined for a red card in soccer?
After the match has ended, the soccer association is likely to contact you and issue you with a fine for being sent from the field. How this works really depends on lots of factors, including the league you play in and what rules govern it.
Sometimes it’s the club that deals with the fines accrued by their players, while other times, it’s the responsibility of individual soccer players.
The Football Association in England issues fines to players at all levels of the game, be it amateur, semi-professional, or professional. This is in an attempt to level the playing field and to protect the integrity of the game of soccer at all levels.
How many matches do you miss if you get a red card in soccer?
In addition to a fine, you will also receive a ban after being sent off. If you have received a red card after being cautioned twice, you will only receive a one-match ban. However, if you get sent off with a straight red card, you’re likely to be issued a three-match ban.
Again, in most instances, not every league or association in the world enforces bans, so you will have to check with the rules and regulations of your competition before your next match.
Often, if a red card is issued in junior soccer, bans and fines aren’t necessarily enforced. Still, it’s important to check as playing when you’re ineligible is a serious offense and could cost your team a points deduction.
Another thing to note is that bans are often issued depending on the severity of the incident on the pitch. If you are sent off for fighting or spitting, for instance, you may even receive a longer ban than three matches.
It really just depends on the format and rules of your league, so you will need to check this out before accepting your punishment for being sent off.
Tips on what to do after a red card in soccer
Getting sent off sucks; there are no two ways about it. Whether you think the referee was right or wrong doesn’t really matter, the decision has been made, and you need to get on with it. So, if you do get sent off in soccer, here are some things to keep in mind:
Keep your cool
Following your red card, you’re probably going to be angry and frustrated. This is only natural. But shouting and swearing at the referee or the opposition isn’t going to do any good; it will just make things worse for you in the long run.
If you have been shown a red card, accept the decision and leave the field of play right away. Don’t argue with anyone, and don’t show your frustration. This will also give your teammates the best possible chance of getting on with the game without you.
Head to the locker room
Once you’ve left the field, make your way to the locker room. If you’re feeling frustrated, head into the shower and try and cool down. You have a lot of thinking time ahead of you, so it’s a good way to try and relax.
Although the locker room feels like a lonely place after being shown a red card, it’s best to stay away from the field, as you don’t want to distract your teammates or cause any further issues.
Apologize to your teammates
When the game is finally over and your teammates come back into the locker room to get changed, you should apologize to them for getting sent off. Even if you think the referee was wrong, an apology goes a long way to building trust back with your team.
You will almost certainly find that they accept your apology and will be willing to move on. This is a much better approach than staying silent and letting the situation fester between you.
Move on quickly
Finally, there’s no point in dwelling on your red card. Once the match is over, accept that you were sent off and get on with things. Looking over the incident and getting frustrated about it won’t help you.
Also, your teammates will want to move on quickly and prepare for the next match, so there’s no point in bringing it up when you’ve all left the field.
Recap: What happens after a red card?
When you’ve been red-carded in soccer, you need to leave the field right away. Most players make their way to the locker room and wait there until their teammates join them at the end of the match.
Providing you apologize and move on quickly, your teammates are likely to forgive you, and you don’t need to let your red card ruin your season.