Red cards gone wild: The most unusual dismissals in football
Football is a game full of surprises, but some moments leave fans confused. One of the most shocking events is when a player gets a red card. This means they must leave the field for serious misconduct. A red card can change the game, as the team plays with one less player.
While many red cards come from rough play, some stand out for being strange or unexpected. This article explores some of the oddest red card moments in football history.
Theerathon Bunmathan's red card for pinching an opponent (2022)
In an AFC Champions League match, Theerathon Bunmathan of Buriram United received a red card for pinching an opponent’s private area. Before halftime, Arif Aiman of Johor Darul Ta’zim fouled Bunmathan and offered to help him. As the latter stood, he pinched Aiman, who dropped in pain. The referee reviewed the incident and sent Bunmathan off. Fans were angry and called the act disgraceful, saying he didn’t deserve to be captain.
Eden Hazard kicks a ball boy (2013 League Cup)
In a 2013 League Cup match, Chelsea’s Eden Hazard got a red card for kicking a ball boy. The 17-year-old held on to the ball too long, slowing the game. Hazard tried to kick the ball from under him, but kicked the boy instead. The referee sent him off right away. Hazard spoke to the media and apologised for the incident. South Wales Police took no action, as the boy’s father didn’t file a complaint.
Cristóbal Márquez's red card in seconds (2020)
In 2020, Cristóbal Márquez stunned fans by receiving two red cards in seconds during a second-division match in Spain. The referee first sent him off for a tough foul. After watching the replay, the referee changed the red card to a yellow. Márquez returned to the field but soon argued with an opponent and received a second yellow, which meant a red card. This rare moment showed how losing control can hurt the player and his team.
Jean-Pascal Mignot gets a red card without playing (2010)
In 2010, Jean-Pascal Mignot received one of the strangest red cards in Champions League history. While warming up as a substitute for Auxerre, he shouted at the referee during the final minutes of their match against Ajax. The referee gave him a yellow card, but Mignot kept arguing. So the referee showed him a red card before he even stepped onto the pitch.
Lessons from the red zone: Expect the unexpected
Red cards can change the course of a match, but some moments stand out for how bizarre they are. The unexpected twists and drama keep fans hooked. Still, these incidents show why players must stay calm and follow the rules.
