Top 10 Teams with the Most Red Cards in 2025 reveals the football clubs that faced the harshest disciplinary actions this year. From passionate tackles to controversial moments on the pitch, these teams have stood out for receiving the highest number of red cards throughout the 2025 season. Red cards not only impact the flow of the game but also influence team performance and league standings, making discipline a critical factor in any club’s success. In this detailed list, we explore the reasons behind the frequent ejections, whether it’s aggressive playstyles, tactical fouls, or moments of frustration under pressure.
Discover which teams struggled to keep their cool and how these red cards affected their matches and overall campaigns. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a football analyst, or just curious about the sport’s intensity, this comprehensive overview offers insights into the disciplinary trends that shaped the 2025 football season. Stay informed about the teams that pushed the limits and learn how discipline—or the lack of it—can turn the tide in football. Dive into the full list of the Top 10 Teams with the Most Red Cards in 2025 and get ready for a thrilling look at the sport’s fiery side.
10. Brighton & Hove Albion (Premier League) – 3 Red Cards
Brighton received three red cards during the 2024–25 Premier League season, placing them among the top ten for dismissals. While their attacking style underlined their growing reputation, it occasionally left them vulnerable at the back, where defenders were forced into risky tackles or recovery fouls. These situations often led to cards being shown, particularly when their high pressing left gaps that needed to be urgently covered. The team’s tactical approach, though entertaining, demanded sharp decision-making from every player — and lapses in judgment became costly on several occasions.
The red cards affected Brighton’s rhythm, especially as several came in matches against top-six sides. The absence of key players through suspension, such as Moisés Caicedo or Pervis Estupiñán, created challenges for the manager in terms of rotation and balance. Recognizing the pattern, the coaching staff started emphasizing discipline and game awareness more heavily during training sessions. The goal was to maintain their fearless brand of football without overstepping the line. Brighton’s commitment to both flair and fair play will be vital if they aim to finish in a European spot in the future. Avoiding such send-offs will make them more consistent and feared across the league.
9. Liverpool FC (Premier League) – 3 Red Cards
Liverpool collected three red cards over the course of the 2024–25 season. Although not excessive, these dismissals came at significant moments and directly influenced their title hopes. Known for their high-energy pressing game, Liverpool occasionally paid the price when overcommitment led to tactical fouls or moments of individual rashness. These red cards forced tactical reshuffling mid-game and cost them points in crucial matches, especially during their title race alongside Arsenal and Manchester City. One notable sending-off occurred during a tightly contested clash at Anfield that ended in a frustrating draw due to a numerical disadvantage.
Injuries to key players combined with suspensions placed strain on squad depth during a critical stretch in the season. While Liverpool’s side has often walked the disciplinary tightrope due to their intense style, there has been growing emphasis on self-control and timing. Players like Mac Allister and Konaté received cautions throughout the season, drawing the coaching team’s attention to player behavior under pressure. Liverpool has begun prioritizing both emotional and physical discipline in training. As they push for future success in domestic and European competitions, maintaining full-strength squads by avoiding red cards will remain a crucial component of their strategy moving forward.
8. Manchester United (Premier League) – 3 Red Cards
Manchester United also saw three red cards handed out to their players during the 2024–25 Premier League season. While not the most undisciplined team in the league, United’s red cards often came at pivotal moments in matches they were expected to control. These dismissals created unnecessary challenges and sometimes led to dropped points. The disciplinary concerns, coupled with inconsistent performances, were highlighted as one of the reasons the team failed to maintain a strong push for a Champions League spot. Red cards to central players like Casemiro or Bruno Fernandes disrupted both structure and morale mid-match.
The coaching staff has since worked on ensuring more composure in defensive zones and encouraging smart tactical fouling when necessary rather than reckless interventions. Additionally, the team has been implementing improved behavioral standards both in matches and during training. While their overall card count may not be alarming, United knows that to return to the pinnacle of English football, they need to improve every detail—including discipline. A full, focused eleven on the pitch gives them the best chance of winning matches consistently, especially as competition in the Premier League continues to grow tougher every season.
7. Aston Villa (Premier League) – 4 Red Cards
Aston Villa concluded their 2024–25 Premier League season with a total of four red cards. While this may not seem like a drastic figure, in a tightly contested league campaign, every red card carries a weighty consequence. Villa’s dismissals often came at pivotal moments—either when they were fighting to maintain leads or chasing close games. The suspensions disrupted their lineup stability and tactical flow, especially when facing top-tier opponents. For a club with European ambitions, maintaining discipline is vital, and these send-offs reminded them how small margins can define a season. The coaching staff addressed these concerns mid-season, emphasizing cleaner challenges and greater emotional control in high-pressure matches.
In some cases, the red cards stemmed from last-man fouls or double yellow offenses, rather than violent conduct. This shows that Villa’s issues may have been more about timing and decision-making than outright aggression. Players like Douglas Luiz and Matty Cash were among those cautioned multiple times, highlighting areas for improvement. In response, the club has implemented internal reviews and fine systems to prevent repeat offenses. Looking forward, Aston Villa will aim to continue their rise up the Premier League table, but avoiding costly disciplinary lapses will be key to achieving consistent top-six finishes in the future.
6. Crystal Palace (Premier League) – 4 Red Cards
Crystal Palace ended the 2024–25 Premier League season with four red cards, placing them among the clubs with the most dismissals in England’s top flight. Under pressure in several tight fixtures, Palace’s defensive players often resorted to last-ditch tackles and challenges that led to their expulsions. These red cards disrupted the team’s structure, especially during matches where they were holding their own against stronger opponents. Managerial staff highlighted lapses in concentration and poor judgment as the primary reasons behind these disciplinary issues, pointing to a lack of composure when managing high-tempo scenarios. Playing with ten men in multiple matches affected their points tally and limited their momentum in the mid-season stretch.
Although Crystal Palace maintained a generally solid defensive record, the red cards exposed a lack of squad depth. Suspensions meant key players missed vital games, and replacements struggled to deliver the same performance levels. The club has taken steps to address this problem by strengthening its defensive options and emphasizing tactical discipline during training. Coaching sessions now include mental resilience drills to help players stay composed in high-pressure environments. Palace knows that keeping all eleven players on the pitch is crucial if they hope to break into the top half of the table in upcoming seasons.
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5. Arsenal FC (Premier League) – 6 Red Cards
Arsenal collected six red cards during the 2024–25 Premier League season, the highest among English clubs. This was a surprising development for a team that challenged for the title and often controlled possession in most games. Despite their technical and tactical progress under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal occasionally reverted to emotional reactions, especially in intense fixtures against top-six rivals. The red cards were not limited to defenders; midfielders and even attacking players were involved, highlighting a broader team-wide issue with maintaining composure in critical moments.
The consequences were significant—playing with ten men against high-caliber opposition led to dropped points in key matches. These dismissals also impacted squad rotations and forced tactical readjustments during crucial fixtures. The club’s coaching staff has acknowledged the problem and emphasized emotional intelligence and better decision-making in high-stakes environments. Training sessions now include situational drills where players must manage conflict without fouling or reacting rashly. Arsenal’s ambitions to secure silverware and consistent Champions League qualification will hinge on their ability to avoid avoidable send-offs. Keeping a full eleven on the pitch is vital in executing Arteta’s high-pressing, possession-dominant system effectively throughout the season.
4. RC Lens (Ligue 1) – 8 Red Cards
RC Lens recorded eight red cards in the 2024–25 Ligue 1 season, making them the most penalized team in France’s top flight. This high number of dismissals affected their push for European qualification. Lens’s aggressive defensive tactics and high-intensity midfield play often saw players walk a disciplinary tightrope. Several red cards were the result of last-man tackles or heated confrontations, which not only disrupted match outcomes but also raised concerns about the squad’s emotional control under pressure. These suspensions led to key players missing important matches, which weakened their consistency during the latter stages of the season.
Despite their appealing attacking play, Lens struggled to maintain balance when reduced to ten men, often conceding goals in the final stages of games. The coaching staff acknowledged that while physicality is a part of their identity, emotional discipline is an area that needs urgent improvement. They have since begun emphasizing control and smart positioning to avoid risky challenges. The club also plans to implement stricter internal penalties and mandatory review sessions following red cards. Lens will aim to combine their fierce style with smarter in-game decision-making if they wish to stay competitive both domestically and in future European competitions.
3. Sevilla FC (La Liga) – 8 Red Cards
Sevilla FC’s 2024–25 La Liga campaign was riddled with disciplinary issues, accumulating eight red cards, one of the highest tallies in the Spanish top division. Known for their gritty, combative approach, Sevilla often plays on the edge—pressing hard and tackling with conviction. However, this high-risk approach sometimes spiraled into reckless decisions that led to send-offs at critical points in the season. These dismissals frequently came during high-stakes matches against top opposition, putting Sevilla in compromised positions that cost them valuable points and momentum in their bid for a top-four finish.
The repeated suspensions disrupted the squad’s rotation and stretched their bench, especially during a period when they were already battling injuries. Several red cards were shown to defenders and defensive midfielders, forcing the manager to adjust formations mid-game. Recognizing the issue, Sevilla’s coaching team introduced stricter discipline-focused training and individual counseling for repeat offenders. They are also considering acquiring more experienced players known for composure and leadership on the field. As Sevilla looks to remain a force in La Liga and return to their usual competitive level in Europe, reducing red-card incidents will be crucial in stabilizing performances and maximizing their tactical identity.
2. Hellas Verona (Serie A) – 9 Red Cards
Hellas Verona topped the Serie A disciplinary charts in 2024–25 with nine red cards, making them the most sent-off team in Italy’s top flight. The club, which often finds itself in relegation battles, adopted a physical, no-nonsense defensive style that backfired on multiple occasions. Several of the red cards were straight dismissals due to dangerous tackles or overly aggressive challenges. In a league known for its tactical discipline, Verona’s disciplinary record stood out for the wrong reasons and directly contributed to several losses that could have been avoided with more composure.
The frequent send-offs forced Verona to play large chunks of matches with ten men, a challenge that weakened both their defense and attack. Their struggles to maintain discipline reflected a lack of maturity in the squad and highlighted deficiencies in in-game management. The coaching staff has faced criticism for failing to instill better control, especially in high-pressure moments. In response, the club is exploring a strategic overhaul to reduce fouls, including workshops on discipline and leadership development. For a team regularly fighting for survival in Serie A, maintaining a full-strength lineup on the pitch is crucial. Improving this aspect will be vital to their long-term aspirations of becoming a more stable and competitive side.
1. FC Augsburg (Bundesliga) – 11 Red Cards
FC Augsburg earned the unwanted distinction of being the most sent-off team in Europe’s top five leagues in 2024–25, receiving a staggering 11 red cards. Augsburg’s red cards were spread across the entire campaign, with several players receiving straight reds for reckless tackles and dangerous plays. The German side often adopted a high-pressing, physical game, which, while occasionally effective, frequently crossed the line into ill-discipline. These dismissals heavily influenced their standings in the Bundesliga, with numerous matches swinging out of control after a red card disrupted their tactical shape.
The impact on Augsburg’s season was considerable. Playing down a man in so many fixtures forced the team into damage control modes, hurting their goal differential and making victories harder to secure. Suspensions thinned an already shallow squad, causing additional strain during their relegation fight. Recognizing this trend, the coaching team has made disciplinary reform a top priority for the next campaign. They have launched stricter internal rules and will be integrating sports psychologists into their preparation routines. FC Augsburg must correct their disciplinary habits if they hope to maintain Bundesliga status in the long term. Reducing red cards is not just about fairness—it’s a survival requirement for the club moving forward.
FAQ’s:
Why do some teams receive more red cards than others?
Teams with aggressive playing styles, high pressing tactics, or defensive weaknesses tend to receive more red cards. This is because players are more likely to commit last-ditch fouls, tactical challenges, or lose composure in tense moments. Some clubs also lack experienced leaders who can calm situations on the field, resulting in more emotional reactions or rash decisions.
Do red cards significantly affect a team’s performance?
Yes, red cards often have a direct impact on match outcomes. Playing with 10 men reduces a team’s tactical flexibility and increases defensive pressure, especially against strong opponents. Over a season, repeated red cards can lead to point losses, squad disruption due to suspensions, and even damage a team’s league position or European hopes.
Which team had the most red cards in Europe’s top 5 leagues in 2025?
In the 2024–25 season, FC Augsburg from the Bundesliga recorded the highest number of red cards across Europe’s top five leagues with 11 dismissals. Their aggressive approach and repeated disciplinary lapses had a major effect on their campaign, contributing to struggles in league consistency and match control.
