As the Premier League charges through its fixtures, a peculiar trend has emerged, one that’s sparked debates and raised eyebrows across the footballing world: the surge in red cards.
Unlike the customary exchanging of cards during this time of year, the league referees have been busy brandishing reds rather than festive greetings.
Last season, a modest 30 players saw the dreaded red card in 380 matches. However, the current season has taken a dramatic turn, with a mere three fewer sendings-off after 120 games.
Yet, the 2022-23 season was an anomaly in recent years, tallying the second lowest red cards in Premier League history, suggesting it might not have signaled the onset of a prevailing trend.
However, if the current rate persists, the season could witness a staggering 85 dismissals, potentially eclipsing the league record of 76 from 2005-06.
While figures have generally declined in recent times, owing partly to heightened scrutiny from multiple cameras and players adapting to more stringent rules, this season has seen a marked departure.
Notably, the increase in second bookable offenses, totaling 14, elucidates how even minor infractions are becoming costlier for teams.
Referees, following directives to crack down on time-wasting and dissent, have contributed to a record number of yellow cards—552 to be precise—by this stage of the season.
Notably, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, already amassing seven yellows in 11 appearances, exemplifies the amplified vigilance, while his team leads the caution count at 40.
Out of the 27 sendings-off, 12 stemmed from violent conduct or serious foul play, with the Video Assistant Referees (VAR) intervening in five cases.
VAR, instrumental in six red cards last season, has yet to overturn a dismissal this season, underscoring its consistency in upholding on-field decisions.
However, despite the increased vigilance, officials have shown leniency towards aggressive tackles, a factor contributing to a lower red card count last season.
This season, while maintaining the same leniency, referees are exhibiting a greater propensity to brandish cards, evident in the 13 straight reds issued already.
Interestingly, 14 clubs have witnessed a player’s early exit, compared to 16 last season, with Liverpool leading the charts with four red cards in 12 games, including one overturned dismissal.
This newfound aggression, though contrasting their disciplined run last season, seems to be bearing fruit for Jürgen Klopp’s side, currently occupying a higher league position.
As the season unfolds, the trajectory of this card-heavy trend remains uncertain. League stakeholders, however, downplay it as an outlier, refraining from advising players to alter their game.
While records breaking often captivates audiences, perhaps a touch of extra caution from players could leave this particular record untouched in the annals of Premier League history.
