15 Premier League Players with the Most Red Cards — Ranked from 15 to 1

September 17, 2025 Kris Isaksen

The Premier League is known for its intensity, passion, and full-blooded challenges. But for some players, walking the disciplinary tightrope led to frequent early exits. From hard-hitting defenders to fiery midfielders, here are the 15 players with the most red cards in Premier League history, ranked from least to most.

15. Nemanja Vidic – 6 Red Cards

A defensive rock for Manchester United, Nemanja Vidic was a dominant force in the back line. But his aggressive style caught up with him, particularly against Liverpool, where he saw red multiple times.

14. Steven Gerrard – 6 Red Cards

A Liverpool legend, Steven Gerrard’s intensity sometimes boiled over. His most notorious red came just 38 seconds after coming on as a sub against Manchester United, for a stamp on Ander Herrera.

13. Martin Keown – 6 Red Cards

Martin Keown was the embodiment of Arsenal’s grit and determination. Known for antagonizing opponents, including the infamous Ruud van Nistelrooy incident, his confrontational nature earned him six dismissals.

12. Younes Kaboul – 6 Red Cards

Younes Kaboul had a solid career with several Premier League clubs, but his disciplinary record stood out. In just over a decade in England, the French defender picked up six red cards and 22 yellows.

11. Franck Queudrue – 6 Red Cards

Franck Queudrue made a name for himself at Middlesbrough with committed, often reckless defending. He earned six red cards and 40 bookings, showing just how aggressive his game could be.

10. Luis Boa Morte – 6 Red Cards

Luis Boa Morte's versatility on the pitch was matched by his feistiness. In nearly 300 Premier League appearances, he managed to rack up six reds and over 60 yellows across four clubs.

9. John Hartson – 6 Red Cards

John Hartson’s Premier League career was shorter than most on this list, but no less fiery. In just 155 appearances, the powerful striker picked up six red cards and more than 30 yellows.

8. Joey Barton – 6 Red Cards

Joey Barton was never far from controversy, both on and off the pitch. A talented midfielder undone by his temper, he collected six reds and a staggering 75+ yellow cards.

7. Roy Keane – 7 Red Cards

Roy Keane led with intensity and wasn’t afraid to cross the line. With seven red cards, including his infamous foul on Alf Inge Haaland, Keane was as fierce as they come in the Premier League.

6. Vinnie Jones – 7 Red Cards

Vinnie Jones was the Premier League’s original hard man. With seven red cards in just 184 games, his brutal style made him feared by opponents and frequently punished by referees.

5. Alan Smith – 7 Red Cards

Alan Smith’s passion was undeniable, but it came at a price. As a striker-turned-midfielder, his aggressive approach earned him seven reds, most during his time at Leeds and Manchester United.

4. Lee Cattermole – 7 Red Cards

Lee Cattermole lived on the edge, especially in North East derbies. One of his most memorable reds came after the final whistle for dissent, summing up a career full of disciplinary issues.

3. Duncan Ferguson – 8 Red Cards

Duncan Ferguson's imposing presence made him a legend at Everton — and a red card magnet. With eight dismissals and even a prison sentence during his career, his aggressive legacy still lingers.

2. Richard Dunne – 8 Red Cards

Richard Dunne, and Thierry Henry — Eoghan McNally / Shutterstock.com

Richard Dunne was a reliable defender over 400+ games, but his eight red cards and 10 own goals remain unforgettable. His physical style often crossed the line, making him one of the league’s most dismissed players.

1. Patrick Vieira – 8 Red Cards

At the top of the list is Arsenal icon Patrick Vieira. A midfield maestro with a ferocious edge, Vieira’s clashes with Roy Keane and countless others defined an era — and earned him eight red cards.