In the 1970 World Cup, Englishman Ken Aston introduced the yellow and red cards to ease the signals of referees on disciplinary measures. The idea came from traffic lights: yellow for a cautionary signal and red for a halt. This rather effective and rather simple system quickly became a norm in professional football. A yellow card warns a player of a minor foul and instructs him to be careful. Red cards, however, are given only to dangerous offences, which leads to the expulsion of the offender from the playing area. Earlier, the referees had to call across the entire field, but now, the signal is comprehensible to the players and even the fans.
The number of yellow cards is like grades in school. Among the football players, there are both exemplary guys and inveterate hooligans. Bookmaker MelBet provides information support for each match: in addition to the broadcast and football score, you can find updated statistics on both goals and yellow cards for each player. And, of course, it offers not only background information but also what everyone definitely loves – gifts. Take your Melbet bonus – it doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced capper, and bet with double benefit!
How Players Earn Yellow Cards
Do you know that even a careless attempt to challenge for the ball can attract a yellow card? Referees give yellow cards for different violations, and they warn the players to be careful. Lack of respect or politeness, being quarrelsome with an official or wasting time are some of the reasons. Other fouls that are not as blatant, such as feigning an injury in a match, known as diving, also warrant a yellow card. The referee is very keen and does not even overlook any form of unsportsmanlike conduct, no matter how petty it is. The card serves as a clear warning: keep it clean, or else more punishment would be meted out on him. Players should modify their behaviours so as not to receive a second yellow card, which leads to a red card and dismissal from the game.
The Judge Raised the Card – What Happens Next?
The second yellow card given to a player in a specific match leads to a red card, implying that the player has to leave the field immediately. This double warning system makes the players always be conscious. A straight red card, however, is quite a severe case. A player can be given it for violent conduct, abusive language, or obstructing a clear goal-scoring opportunity. When a player receives a red card, he is sent off the playing area and the team that is issued this card has to play with a reduced number of players. This puts a lot of pressure on the other members of the team. Also, the ejected player is barred from the next games; hence, his/her team is affected in terms of strategy and formation.
Historical Context and Notable Incidents
The “Battle of Nuremberg” during the 2006 World Cup became a clear record for cards. This match between Portugal and the Netherlands saw an unprecedented number of cards from the referee. FIFA even wanted to remove the referee altogether, but then they agreed that the players really were big hooligans. Just check out the dramatic development of events:
- 16 yellow cards in a single match
- 4 red cards during the same game
- Both teams finished with nine players each
It’s funny that at the 2006 World Championship, Josip Simunic was not sent off even after two yellow cards! The referees were then shocked by the referee’s decision, but it turned out that he was simply confused about the players’ numbers. However, this did not save the Croatian footballer; a few minutes later, he received a third yellow card and went to the bench.
By the way, a couple of years ago, white cards were tried out at a women’s football match – on the contrary, they are intended to praise the player for fair play. Such a “white card” could rightfully be awarded to football betting on MelBet – for the most transparent and favourable conditions for fans. See for yourself!