ISL 2023-24: Top five teams with most yellow cards

East Bengal FC players have received a total of 61 yellow cards this season so far.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 is a cauldron of passion, where tackles fly in and emotions run high. While clean tackles are a hallmark of the beautiful game, a plethora of yellow cards paints a different picture.

Fans are drawn in by the gripping instances of skill and strategy that come with disciplinary incidents. Yellow cards in football act as significant junctures, upholding fairness and responsibility on the pitch. They reinforce regulations by penalizing fouls and misconduct, thus safeguarding the integrity of the game.

Moreover, they provide teams with chances to display their skills and tactics, frequently impacting the results of matches during pivotal moments. Consequently, they add to the thrill and anticipation of the sport.

This article delves into the top five teams with the most yellow cards in the ongoing ISL 2023-24 season, analyzing potential reasons and the impact of these cautions.

Let’s have a look at the five teams.

5. NorthEast United FC (44 Cards)

NorthEast United FC, with 44 yellow cards, sits at the bottom of this list among the top five teams. This could be due to a more balanced approach to tackling, focusing on winning the ball cleanly. However, a dip in form or frustration with results could still lead to unnecessary fouls.

NorthEast United will need to maintain their discipline throughout the season to avoid suspensions and maintain their playoff push. Important players of Highlanders such as Mohammed Ali Bemammer have been booked six times this season.

4. Jamshedpur FC (47 Cards)

Khalid’s Jamshedpur FC, known for their organized defense, surprisingly finds itself on this list with 47 yellow cards. This could be due to a more “robust” defensive approach, bordering on over-physicality. In addition, tactical adjustments to counter specific opponents could lead to a higher number of fouls.

Jamshedpur FC will need to analyze the reasons behind these cautions and ensure their aggressive style doesn’t result in unnecessary suspensions. Their key defenders Pratik Chaudhari and Jitendra Singh have been cautioned five and four times respectively.

3. Mumbai City FC (48 Cards)

Peter Kratky’s Islanders find themselves tied with Kerala Blasters for the second-highest number of yellow cards (48). This might be a consequence of their high-pressing style. Also, frustration with underwhelming results could lead to undisciplined challenges.

Mumbai City needs to find a way to maintain their intensity while remaining calmer on the field. Accumulating yellow cards not only risks suspensions but also disrupts the flow of the game. Some of their top performers like Yoëll Van Nieff have been cautioned seven times and Lalengmawia Ralte as well as Mehtab Singh have been booked four times.

2. Kerala Blasters FC (48 Cards)

Kerala Blasters, under Ivan Vukomanovic, find themselves surprisingly high on the yellow card list with 48 cautions. This could be due to a combination of factors. Their attacking approach, heavily reliant on winning the ball back in midfield, might lead to more fouls.

Additionally, individual battles within the game could result in unnecessary yellow cards. Kerala needs this high number of yellows addressed to avoid potential suspensions for key players. Some of their vital players like Danish Farooq have been booked six times along with Naocha Singh four times.

1. East Bengal FC (61 cards)

Leading the yellow card charts by a significant margin is East Bengal FC with a staggering 61 cautions. East Bengal, under Coach Carles Cuadrat, might be employing a more aggressive pressing style to win possession back quickly, leading to a higher number of fouls.

Moreover, a lack of tactical discipline or frustration with results could be contributing factors.  This indiscipline could be costly for East Bengal, as accumulating yellow cards can lead to suspensions, weakening their squad depth.

Key players like Souvic Chakraborty and Naorem Mahesh Singh have been booked six times each. On the other hand attackers like Cleiton Silva and Ajay Chhetri have been cautioned five times each this season.

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