Can Soccer Coaches Get Yellow and Red Cards?

Soccer coaches play a crucial role in the success of a team, responsible for developing strategies, motivating players, and making big decisions during matches. But can soccer coaches also be shown yellow and red cards, just like players on the field? In this article, we will explore this question and more, taking a closer look at the rules and regulations surrounding yellow and red cards for coaches in soccer.

Can Soccer Coaches Get Yellow Cards?

Yes, soccer coaches can be shown yellow cards by the referee for misconduct during a match. According to the Laws of the Game, the referee has the authority to caution (show a yellow card to) any coach, trainer, or other team officials if they are guilty of misconduct.

But what are the main reasons for coaches and managers to get booked?

Why do Soccer Coaches Get Yellow Cards?

Soccer coaches can get yellow cards for several reasons.

Dissent

Arguing with the referee or expressing disagreement with a decision can result in a yellow card for a coach.

Irresponsible behavior

Coaches can also be cautioned for irresponsible behavior, such as throwing objects onto the field or behaving in a way that could even harm players or officials.

Unsporting conduct

Acting in an unsporting manner, such as making inappropriate gestures or comments, can also result in a yellow card for a coach.

Some of the behaviors coaches can get yellow cards for also include:

  • Clearly or persistently not respecting the confines of their team’s technical area
  • Delaying the restart of play by their team
  • Deliberately entering the technical area of the opposing team in a non-confrontational manner
  • Inappropriate language
  • Sarcastic clapping about the referee’s decisions
  • Waving imaginary cards

What Happens If A Soccer Coach Gets A Yellow Card?

If a soccer coach is shown a yellow card, they will be cautioned and warned about their behavior. However, unlike players, coaches cannot be substituted when they get a yellow card as a precaution to not get sent off. This means they have to be on their best behavior. A yellow card to a coach is a warning and reminder to behave in a responsible and sportsmanlike manner.

Can A Soccer Coach Get A Red Card?

Yes, soccer coaches can also be shown red cards by the referee for more serious offenses. According to the Laws of the Game, the referee has the authority to send off (show a red card to) any coach, trainer, or other team officials.

Similarly to showing yellow cards, red cards are also shown if coaches are guilty of violent conduct, serious foul play, or using offensive, insulting, or abusive language or gestures. However, these incidents have to be of a more serious manner to make them worth sending off.

What Happens If A Soccer Coach Gets A Red Card?

If a soccer coach is shown a red card, they must leave the field of play and substitutes’ bench area immediately. The coach is also banned from participating in the remainder of the match and may face further disciplinary action. Those include suspension, depending on the severity of the offense.

Why do soccer coaches get red cards?

Soccer coaches can get red cards for a variety of reasons, including:

Violent conduct

Physical violence or threatening behavior towards players, officials, or other coaches can result in a red card for a coach.

Serious foul play

Coaches can also be sent off for committing serious foul play, such as violent tackles or intentional fouls. This rarely happens, but there are moments of physical or aggressive behavior which get coaches into trouble.

Using offensive language or gestures

Using offensive, insulting, or abusive language or gestures are other reasons coaches get a red card for.

Other reasons for coaches to get sent off and removed from matches include:

  • Delaying the restart of play by the opposing team 
  • Deliberately leaving the technical area to show dissent towards or provoke
  • Enter the opposing technical area in an aggressive or confrontational manner
  • Deliberately throwing/kicking an object onto the field of play
  • Entering the video operation room (VOR)
  • Receiving a second caution in the same match
  • Using unauthorized electronic or communication equipment 

Many of these things happen infrequently. The most common reason for coaches and managers to get red cards are aggressive behavior towards referees when they are unhappy with refereeing decisions.

How Frequently Do Soccer Coaches Get Yellow Or Red Cards?

It is relatively rare for soccer coaches to be shown yellow or red cards, as they are expected to behave in a responsible and sportsmanlike manner. However, there have been instances where coaches have been cautioned or sent off for misconduct during a match.

Incidents Where Soccer Coaches Have Been Shown Red Card

There have been many high-profile incidents where soccer coaches have been shown red cards. Some examples include:

Jose Mourinho

The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager was sent off as the head coach of Real Madrid in 2010. He was shown a red card for arguing with the referee during a La Liga match against Real Murcia. Reportedly, the Portuguese used inappropriate words, insulting the referee, which got him not only a red card but a two-match ban.

Arsene Wenger

The former Arsenal manager was shown a red card for protesting a decision by the referee during a Premier League match against Burnley in 2017. Referee Mike Dean gave a penalty to the opposing side, which angered Wenger. He kicked a water bottle in frustration, which resulted in the fourth official calling Dean, who then showed the red card to the French manager.

Jurgen Klopp

The current Liverpool manager was shown a red card for protesting the referee’s decision during a Premier League clash against Manchester City in 2022. Klopp was sent off for raging at an official after his team were denied a free-kick in the latter stages of the match. He was ultimately fined £30.000 but was not suspended for the following match.

While these situations are not widespread, they are a reminder that coaches, like players, are required to follow the laws of the game and act responsibly.

Conclusion

Soccer coaches play a crucial role in the success of a team, but they are also subject to the same rules and regulations as players when it comes to misconduct on the field.

Coaches can be shown yellow or red cards for a variety of offenses, including dissent, irresponsible behavior, unsporting conduct, violent conduct, serious foul play, and using offensive language or gestures. While it is relatively rare for coaches to be cautioned or sent off, all coaches need to remember to behave in a responsible and sportsmanlike manner at all times.

Because if they don’t, not only will they get in trouble, but their team could be worse off, as well.