Top 8 Players with the Most Red Cards in Premier League History

The Premier League is a cauldron of drama that frequently spills over each week, with players employing every tactic to secure victory. This intensity is what makes the top tier of English football so enthralling and establishes it as one of the greatest leagues globally.

Yet, amidst the excitement, this drama sometimes leads to red cards. Whether it's a last-ditch tackle or succumbing to heightened emotions, players can find themselves leaving the pitch and heading to the changing room. Such decisions have the power to alter the course of matches and even entire seasons, especially during the crucial run-in towards the campaign's conclusion.

Since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has been home to some of the most aggressive players in football history. Instances of tempers boiling over were not uncommon, particularly in high-pressure clashes between top teams. This list highlights the eight players with the highest number of red cards in the league's history.

NOTE: In cases where players had an equal number of red cards, we've ranked them based on the average number of cards (both red and yellow) per match throughout their Premier League career.

8. Joey Barton - 6

Manchester City, Newcastle, QPR, Burnley

Initially, Joey Barton made headlines in early 2024 due to his controversial remarks. However, during his time as a player, he was renowned for his aggressive demeanor. Spanning a Premier League career across four clubs, Barton consistently asserted himself as a formidable presence in midfield. Despite his undeniable talent in the position, his propensity for reckless and unnecessary challenges often overshadowed his skills. Hence, it comes as little surprise to find him on this list, having accumulated six red cards and over 75 yellow cards throughout his Premier League tenure.

7. Roy Keane - 7

Manchester United, Nottingham Forest

Roy Keane is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history, and even his combative nature couldn't overshadow his brilliance on the field. Throughout his illustrious career, he earned a reputation as the league's villain, accumulating seven red cards along the way. Among his most notorious dismissals was a shocking challenge that contributed to ending the career of Alf Inge Haaland during the Manchester Derby.

This reckless tackle resulted in an extended ban and a hefty £150,000 fine. Keane instilled fear in the eyes of his opponents, capable of dominating the midfield battle while also posing a threat with his dangerous tackles. He engaged in several infamous battles with Arsenal in the early 2000s, notably clashing with Patrick Vieira. Their ongoing skirmishes, both on and off the ball, epitomized the intense rivalry between their respective clubs over the years, with the Irishman always finding a way to be at the center of the action.

6. Vinnie Jones - 7

Wimbledon, Chelsea

When reflecting on Vinnie Jones, one immediately envisions an aggressive midfielder who thrived amidst the boiling cauldron of on-field tempers. Despite his relatively fewer appearances compared to other players on this list, Jones cemented his status as one of the Premier League's most notorious villains. In just 184 games, he garnered seven red cards, achieving this milestone in the fewest number of matches. His clashes with fellow entrant Roy Keane epitomized the blend of violence and aggression that characterized his presence on the pitch. Whether with Wimbledon or Chelsea post-1992, Jones was a feared figure by all.

5. Alan Smith - 7

Leeds, Manchester United, Newcastle

Alan Smith's career commenced at Leeds United before he made a surprising move to arch-rivals Manchester United, despite previously declaring he would never join them. The transition from striker to midfielder saw him consistently embroiled in on-field altercations, with his rugged appearance epitomizing the term 'aggression', resulting in referees issuing him seven red cards. Between January 2001 and December 2004, Smith topped the Premier League charts for red cards, accruing five during this period. Unfortunately, Smith suffered a devastating leg break during an FA Cup clash with Liverpool in 2006, a testament to the passion and aggression that underpinned his career. Regrettably, he never fully recovered from this injury.

4. Lee Cattermole - 7

Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Wigan

The Newcastle versus Sunderland derby is widely regarded as one of the fiercest rivalries in the world. This intensity was on full display during the FA Cup third round at the beginning of 2024, when Newcastle emerged victorious in a dramatic match at the Stadium of Light. However, even before this, Lee Cattermole epitomized the heated rivalry between the two sides. The midfielder was famously sent off after the final whistle in a Tyne-Wear derby, receiving a straight red card from Mike Dean for abusive language. This incident occurred after Cattermole had already been booked for a dangerous challenge on Jack Colback during the game. Throughout his career, Cattermole was often at the center of disciplinary issues, a fact acknowledged by former manager Gus Poyet in a 2013 interview with the Daily Mail.

"With Lee, we know when he is frustrated he will make this kind of tackle. I know many managers have tried and have talked about him in the past and I will try to manage him my way, internally, and we will see if we improve that reputation he has in England, where he can’t make a tackle."

3. Duncan Ferguson - 8

Everton, Newcastle

Duncan Ferguson has left an indelible mark on Premier League history. Beyond his accomplishments as a player and later as a successful caretaker manager at Everton, he was renowned as one of the most intimidating figures in the league's history. Ferguson instilled genuine fear in his opponents, embodying the quintessential villain archetype on the pitch. Throughout his career, he accumulated eight red cards, with six of them being straight send-offs.

However, Ferguson's most memorable incident occurred in Scotland, during a match against Raith Rovers, where he infamously headbutted John McStay. Despite the referee's failure to address the incident during the game, Ferguson faced severe consequences afterward. He received a 12-game ban and was charged with assault, resulting in a three-month prison sentence in October 1995. This incident epitomized Ferguson's aggression on the pitch, a trait that resonated throughout his Premier League career.

2. Richard Dunne - 8

Manchester City, Aston Villa, Everton, QPR

Richard Dunne enjoyed a lengthy Premier League career spanning over 400 appearances for four different teams. However, despite his durability, he is predominantly remembered for his red cards and own goals. With eight red cards to his name, he shares the record with Ferguson and Vieira, while also leading the list for most Premier League own goals with a remarkable 10—equalling his tally of goals scored in the right net. Despite these statistics, Dunne still earned a place in the 2009/2010 PFA Premier League Team of the Year. Nevertheless, his propensity for getting sent off and being involved in controversial tackles often overshadowed his otherwise impressive defensive performances throughout his career.

1. Patrick Vieira - 8

Arsenal, Manchester City

Vieira stands as one of the greatest midfielders in football history. Central to Arsenal's invincible triumph in 2004, he tirelessly battled in the midfield. Yet, alongside his immense talent, the Frenchman possessed a darker aspect to his game. His fierce style often led to clashes with referees in the Premier League, particularly in confrontations with rivals like Keane and other legendary midfielders.

One of the most memorable incidents occurred in 2000 when Vieira was sent off during Arsenal's match against Liverpool, where a total of three players received red cards. Despite Vieira's dismissal, the Gunners emerged victorious in the match, ultimately securing the title. This episode exemplified both Vieira's combative nature and his team's resilience in overcoming adversity on the path to success.