When the referee hands a footballer his marching orders, it's not just a moment of discipline—it’s a turning point. A fiery tackle, a burst of frustration, or an outpouring of passion can all lead to a red card, marking a player’s dramatic and unforgettable exit from the game.
Over the years, Premier League clubs have developed reputations for their intensity, and some have racked up more red cards than others. Whether through aggressive challenges, emotional outbursts, or reckless moments, these clubs have built up infamous records for red cards, often at the heart of some of the most memorable incidents in Premier League history.
Here Are The Premier League Clubs with All-Time Red Cards
10. Aston Villa – 67 Red Cards: Hard-fought, But Not Always Clean
Aston Villa, while not known for their aggressive play, have found themselves on the receiving end of a few red cards throughout their Premier League journey. In their battles for survival and European contention, the club’s occasional lapses in discipline have come to the forefront. Though Villa’s all-time red card tally is among the lower on this list, their history has been dotted with moments of reckless abandon.
9. Manchester United – 72 Red Cards: United’s Fiery Legends
The mighty Manchester United has always been a club synonymous with winning, but their reputation for fiery play especially under Sir Alex Ferguson led to many red card incidents. Players like Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, and the occasionally combustible Eric Cantona were never afraid to get their hands dirty, even if it meant an early exit from the pitch.
Despite United’s aggressive approach, they’ve remained disciplined for the most part. However, their status as one of the Premier League's top clubs means they’ve never shied away from the occasional moment of madness – and their red card count serves as a reminder of that.
8. Manchester City – 76 Red Cards: From Scrappy to Stylish
Manchester City’s rise to dominance in recent years has been one of the most dramatic in Premier League history. But before their transformation into a footballing juggernaut, City were often seen as a scrappy, rough-and-tumble team.
During their mid-2000s battles in the relegation zone, players like Joey Barton and Richard Dunne were infamous for their disciplinary issues, contributing heavily to the club's red card tally. City’s transition to a more fluid, passing style of football under Pep Guardiola has seen their red card count drop significantly, but their history of scrappy play has always been part of their DNA.
7. Blackburn Rovers – 76 Red Cards: Reliving the Early Premier League Days
Blackburn Rovers’ time in the Premier League may have been brief, but it left a lasting impact, with their early years in the top flight defined by a fiery and combative style of play. Under the guidance of manager Kenny Dalglish, Blackburn was known for playing a tough, physical brand of football that often bordered on aggression.
During their heyday in the 1990s, when they won the Premier League title in 1995, the team’s red card tally reflected the club’s combative spirit. Legendary figures like Tim Sherwood and Graeme Le Saux, both strong-willed and passionate, contributed to the club’s disciplinary struggles. However, as the club’s fortunes waned, so too did their aggressive style, reducing their tally over time.
6. Tottenham Hotspur – 77 Red Cards: The Battle of the North London Rivals
Tottenham’s red card record might not be as high as some of the other clubs on this list, but their history of fiery North London derbies and high-stakes matches against rivals like Arsenal, West Ham and Chelsea ensure that the Tottenham faithful have witnessed some memorable red card incidents.
From the early years of the Premier League to more recent encounters, Spurs players have earned a reputation for their emotional outbursts. Think back to when Alan Hutton was sent off against Arsenal or when Spurs’ wild temper boiled over in clashes against Chelsea. While Tottenham’s overall tally of red cards is lower than some of their rivals, it’s clear that their passion can sometimes lead to explosive consequences.
5. West Ham United – 83 Red Cards: A Tale of Blue-Collar Passion
West Ham has always been a club full of raw emotion. Their passionate supporters, who create an electric atmosphere in the London Stadium, are mirrored by their team’s combative nature on the pitch. Over the years, West Ham’s rough-and-tumble style of football has often translated into a significant number of red cards.
From the hard-man approach of players like Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan to more recent episodes of frustration during relegation battles, West Ham’s disciplinary record reflects a club that has always fought tooth and nail. The Hammers may have enjoyed some success in the Premier League’s more recent years as they did under David Moyes, but their aggressive nature means they’ll always find themselves in the conversation when it comes to red cards.
4. Chelsea – 89 Red Cards: The Blues' Aggression and Ambition
Chelsea’s ascent to Premier League dominance during the 2000s was fueled by both skill and grit. Under the management of José Mourinho, Chelsea became known for their physical, no-nonsense approach to the game, often blurring the line between toughness and overzealousness.
With players like John Terry, Frank Lampard, and the ever-tenacious Didier Drogba, Chelsea weren’t afraid to get stuck in. But this also led to a share of red cards over the years. The Blues’ most memorable red card incident likely occurred during a dramatic Champions League clash with Barcelona, but their reputation for hard-tackling, aggressive football often carried over to domestic matches.
Under newer, more possession-based managers, Chelsea’s red card count has decreased, but their place near the top of the all-time list tells a story of a club whose ambition was matched only by its willingness to fight – often to the edge of legality.
3. Newcastle United – 93 Red Cards: A Club Defined by Passion
Newcastle’s rise and fall over the years has been nothing short of chaotic. With their fans fiercely loyal, St James’ Park is a stadium where passion runs deep. And it’s that same passion that has often spilled over into aggression on the pitch.
Some of the most memorable red cards in Newcastle's history have come in moments of intense emotion, especially during the club’s relegation battles and high-stakes matches against bitter rivals like Sunderland. Legendary players such as Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer, both of whom had their fiery moments, contributed to the club’s notorious reputation for indiscipline.
While they’ve seen improvement in their discipline in recent years, Newcastle's all-time red card tally is a reflection of a club where nothing is ever dull and everything is hard-fought – sometimes a little too hard.
2. Arsenal – 107 Red Cards: Highs, Lows, and the Invincibles' Edge
Arsenal’s history is full of iconic moments – from their dominance in the early 2000s to their recent struggles – but one thing that’s remained consistent is their aggressive edge. The Gunners, particularly under the fiery reign of Arsène Wenger, were known for their attacking style, but also for their occasional lapses in discipline.
Who could forget the infamous clash between Arsenal and Manchester United in 2003, when both clubs were at their peak? Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira had no love lost, and it was in moments like these that Arsenal’s red card tally began to climb. Even players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while known for his finesse, were not immune to a few rash moments.
Despite a history of fiery players like Vieira, Tony Adams, and Jack Wilshere, Arsenal have enjoyed periods of discipline in recent years. However, at the start of the 2024-25 season under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have already picked up a few red cards, proving that old habits can resurface. The damage to their red card record was already done, cementing their place on this list.
1. Everton – 108 Red Cards: A Legacy of Fury
Everton's position at the top of the red card list is no surprise. The Toffees have long been known for their hard-hitting, combative style of play. Over the years, Goodison Park has been the backdrop for countless fiery encounters, with some of the Premier League's most memorable red card moments coming from their players.
The most infamous among these? Perhaps the sight of Duncan Ferguson, a man whose mere presence on the pitch often made opponents think twice. Ferguson himself was sent off twice during his time with Everton.
Though the team’s reputation for aggressive play softened under managers like Roberto Martinez and Carlo Ancelotti, Everton's historic penchant for fiery confrontations has often resurfaced under Sean Dyche.
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