Study Finds Red Cards Have More Than Tripled Since Last World Cup - Internewscast Journal

A study cited in the article says red cards at the World Cup have surged, with the total more than tripling versus each of the previous two tournaments. Researchers at Northeastern University analyzed match data and found that 13 red cards had already been issued during this year’s tournament in North America. In comparison, only four red cards were shown at the 2018 edition and four again in 2022. The study attributes much of the increase to improvements in VAR, noting that three red cards were initially given as yellow-card offenses before being upgraded after referees reviewed footage. The researchers also point to FIFA’s updated rules aimed at “safe and ethical play,” citing two red cards related to a prohibition on players covering their mouths when talking to opponents. They also reported that while red cards rose sharply, yellow cards declined to 2.52 per game from 3.20 in 2018 and 3.50 in 2022. One factor offered for fewer yellows was FIFA allowing play to flow more smoothly by reducing stoppages over minor skirmishes.