Short Answer – Yes, Managers can get a red card, and have received a red card in football in the past.
Red Card in a football game is not uncommon and brings a lot of uncertainty to the player and the team whose player receives one. But consider what would happen if the manager of a team gets one. While this situation is very uncommon, however, it is very well possible and has happened in the past.
A Red Card forces a player out of the game and off the pitch. The rules differ for a manager receiving one.
Many people think that managers and support staff have no direct involvement in the game and never interact with the ball. Therefore, for this reason, they should not be receiving one. But managers do influence the game from the sidelines, by making key decisions and developing strategies.
Managers can be sent off under various conditions, and these rules differ slightly from those for players.
Nowadays, both managers and the support staff can receive red and yellow cards, but this wasn’t always the case in the game.
Before 2018, when FIFA initiated trials for the card system in various leagues. Instead of issuing cards, officials would send managers to the stands as a disciplinary measure, akin to a red card, whenever they crossed the line.
Later, leagues worldwide implemented procedures allowing managers to receive red and yellow cards during matches. One instance is the EFL, where the FA implemented changes, and began issuing yellow and red cards across the top four leagues.
Why do Coaches and Managers get a Red Card?
While coaches aren’t likely to find themselves in situations where they’re making reckless challenges, they can receive red cards for the same reasons as players. This is because a red card isn’t solely reserved for on-field actions; it can also be issued for off-field incidents. So, managers can easily receive a red card if they commit an offense. Let’s see what incidents can make managers get a red card.
1. Dissent and Misconduct
Managers get a red card if they vehemently disagree with the referee’s decisions, use offensive language, or display aggressive behavior toward match officials. This includes excessive protests, which can lead to disciplinary action.
2. Entering the Field of Play
Stepping onto the field without the referee’s approval is a direct violation. If a manager crosses this boundary, it may result in a red card as it disrupts the flow of the game and challenges the authority of the match officials.
3. Deliberate Time-Wasting
Managers get a red card if they engage in deliberate time-wasting tactics. This could involve intentionally delaying substitutions, lingering on the pitch, or employing other strategies to manipulate the match clock.
4. Inciting Unruly Behavior
Managers must maintain control over their actions and words. Inciting fans or players to behave in an unruly manner can lead to a red card. This rule emphasizes the responsibility managers have in promoting sportsmanship.
5. Serious Foul Play
Although rare, a manager might be sent off for serious foul play if their actions on the sideline are deemed dangerous or pose a threat to others. This rule underscores the need for managers to conduct themselves with decorum and ensure the safety of those around them.
Famous incidents Where managers Got a Red Card
1. José Mourinho (Chelsea) – 2014
In a Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa in 2014, Chelsea’s then-manager José Mourinho was sent off by referee Chris Foy. The incident occurred after a controversial red card was shown to Chelsea player Ramires. Mourinho, frustrated with the decision, entered the field of play to confront the referee, leading to his dismissal.
2. Arsène Wenger (Arsenal) – 2009
Arsène Wenger was sent off as a manager at Old Trafford on October 24, 2009, during a Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal. Referee Mike Dean dismissed Wenger after he kicked a water bottle in frustration following a late equalizing goal by Manchester United. This led to a one-match touchline ban for Wenger, and the game concluded with a 2-1 victory for Manchester United.
3. Mauricio Pochettino (Southampton) – 2014
Referee Mike Dean sent Pochettino to the stands during a 2014 Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur when Pochettino, then managing Southampton, displayed an animated reaction to a decision that went against his team.
4. Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea) and Antonio Conte (Spurs) – 2022
After full-time, a clash ensued between Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte and Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, resulting in both receiving red cards.
5. Diego Simeone (Altetico madrid) – 2014
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) awarded Atletico Madrid’s coach, Diego Simeone, an eight-match ban. This disciplinary action followed Simeone’s sending-off during the Spanish Super Cup second-leg clash against arch-rivals Real Madrid.
By the way, Do you know the story behind the Red Cards and Yellow cards coming to football? and who invented them.
Check this exciting story- History of Yellow and Red Card in Football