How to get a red card? Fight your teammate, attack a ball boy, kick a fan...

Every football fan knows that sinking feeling when one of their players is shown a red card. Dropping to ten—or even nine—players can completely change the course of a match, turning potential victories into desperate scrambles or outright defeats. Since VAR was introduced, the margin for error on the pitch has shrunk significantly, and red cards have become more frequent across Europe and international competitions. With pitchside technology scrutinizing every action, most send-offs are straightforward, leaving players fully aware that their behavior is under constant watch.

VAR has divided opinion among fans, but more often than not, it has helped prevent questionable officiating. Yet, there are moments when a player’s antics leave the referee no choice but to reach for the red card. Below is a countdown of some of the most bizarre dismissals in football history.

10. Edin Dzeko – Bosnia vs Greece (2016)

Edin Dzeko, a Premier League title winner with Manchester City, found himself walking off the pitch in unusual fashion during a World Cup qualifier against Greece. The Bosnian team had taken a 1-0 lead after Miralem Pjanic’s goal, and with time running out, Dzeko clutched the ball after being brought down in the 75th minute.

Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos attempted to wrestle it away, prompting a bizarre reaction from Dzeko: he yanked down Sokratis’ shorts. That second yellow saw him sent off, leaving Bosnia vulnerable. To add insult to injury, Giorgos Tzavellas scored a dramatic 95th-minute equalizer for Greece.

9. Rivaldo vs Hakan Unsal – Brazil vs Turkey (2002)

Rivaldo is remembered for brilliance on the ball and for helping Brazil lift the World Cup in 2002—but also for one of football’s most infamous dives. During the group stage clash with Turkey, Rivaldo scored Brazil’s eventual winning penalty in a 2-1 victory. When taking a corner, he deliberately slowed down to collect the ball. Frustrated, Turkish defender Hakan Unsal lashed out and kicked the ball at Rivaldo’s legs. The Brazilian went down clutching his face, and the referee didn’t hesitate to send Unsal off, falling for the theatrical display. Rivaldo had the last laugh: Brazil would meet Turkey again in the semi-final, with Ronaldo netting the decisive goal.

8. Edinson Cavani – RC Lens vs Paris Saint-Germain (2014)

Edinson Cavani was one of Europe’s most lethal forwards during the 2010s, dazzling fans for Napoli and PSG alike. Despite a trophy-laden spell in Paris, he was involved in one of the most unusual dismissals in Ligue 1 history.

After scoring a penalty to make it 3-1 against RC Lens, Cavani celebrated with his trademark ‘sniper’ pose aimed at the home supporters. The referee didn’t appreciate the gesture and booked him. Cavani, frustrated, placed his hands on the official’s arm in protest—and that was enough to see him sent off.

7. Jamie Carragher – Arsenal vs Liverpool (2002)

Jamie Carragher, now a Sky Sports pundit, had an impeccable disciplinary record as a Liverpool centre-back, earning just three red cards in 17 years at Anfield. Yet during an FA Cup clash at Highbury, even he lost his cool.

After being hit by a coin from Arsenal fans, Carragher threw it back in retaliation. He was promptly shown a straight red. While he avoided FA punishment, he did receive a formal warning from the police for the incident.

6. Javier Mascherano – Ecuador vs Argentina (2013)

Javier Mascherano, another former Liverpool star, had his moment of madness during a 2013 World Cup qualifier. Late in the match against Ecuador, the Argentine midfielder was stretchered off after an injury. But when water spilled on him, he reacted violently, kicking a member of the medical staff twice.

Despite his attempts to explain himself, Mascherano had no choice but to leave the pitch, with teammate Gonzalo Higuain stepping in to calm the situation.

5. Josip Simunic – Croatia vs Australia (2006)

At the 2006 World Cup, Josip Simunic became the first player in history to earn three yellow cards in a single match. Following a second booking that should have sent him off, he remained on the pitch and eventually received a third, finally resulting in a red card.

The referee, Graham Poll, made a public apology for the blunder and resigned soon after—a moment that went down in World Cup history as one of the most bizarre officiating errors ever.

4. Kieran Gibbs – Chelsea vs Arsenal (2014)

Premier League fans were left scratching their heads when Kieran Gibbs was shown a red card for a handball that wasn’t even his. During a heavy 6-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, referee Andrew Marriner mistakenly penalized Gibbs for a foul committed by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Despite protests, Gibbs had to leave the field while his teammate stayed on. To add insult to injury, Hazard’s resulting penalty missed the target entirely.

3. Eric Cantona – Crystal Palace vs Manchester United (1995)

Eric Cantona was one of the Premier League’s greatest talents, but his temper was legendary. During a match against Crystal Palace, Cantona kicked defender Richard Shaw and was sent off.

The situation escalated when he launched a 'kung-fu' kick at a taunting fan after the dismissal. The incident earned him a nine-month ban and criminal charges, cementing his reputation as football’s ultimate hothead.

2. Eden Hazard – Swansea City vs Chelsea (2013)

Even the calmest dribblers can snap—and for Eden Hazard, it happened against Swansea in the 2012/13 League Cup semi-final. With Chelsea trailing 2-0, Hazard kicked ball boy Charlie Morgan in frustration, earning a straight red card.

The footage remains iconic in English football. Fun fact: the ballboy later founded AU Vodka and became a millionaire.

1. Lee Bowyer & Kieron Dyer – Newcastle United vs Aston Villa (2005)

The most extraordinary red card moment belongs to Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer. Newcastle were already down to ten men after Steven Taylor’s handball, but Bowyer and Dyer decided to settle their differences on the pitch.

A full-blown fight erupted between the teammates at St James’ Park, forcing players from both sides to intervene. The referee sent both off, leaving Newcastle with eight men in a crushing 3-0 defeat—one of the Premier League’s wildest incidents ever.