Top 10 players with most red cards in Indian Super League

These footballers have created a record by getting sent-off on many occasions in the Indian top-flight league.

Since its inception in 2014, ISL have become intense over the years and the players give their all to make their mark. However, in the heat of the moment, sometimes things go a little too far. Players have often found themselves at the receiving end of cautions by the referees for foul play. The ISL is a physically demanding league as the games are played in hot and humid climatic conditions. On many occasions, these players’ poor decision-making are put under the glass, which often leads to red cards. 

Here are the top 10 players to have received the most red cards in the history of the ISL.

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10. Nishu Kumar - 2 in 54 games

The defender is currently playing for Kerala Blasters but has majorly featured for Bengaluru FC in the ISL. He has played 54 games overall, collecting two red cards during this time. Despite his record, Nishu is considered one of the best Indian full-backs in the ISL.

He had to deal with several injuries and fitness concerns during the 2020-21 campaign and will look forward to the upcoming season to excel for the Yellow Army.

9. Mehtab Hossain - 2 in 50 games

One of the best midfielders in India during his long and illustrious career, Mehtab Hossain played for Kerala Blasters and Jamshedpur FC in the ISL. He has retired from playing as a professional player now, however, he received his fair share of cautions during his career. Known widely for his aggressiveness, the defensive midfielder has two red cards in 50 games to his name. 

8. Baljit Sahni - 2 in 39 games

He played for teams like ATK, Chennaiyin FC and FC Pune City. The attacker has retired as a player but featured in 39 games in the league. During that time, he received two red cards for indiscipline. Baljit Sahni was in the headlines recently as he was seen working at a Walmart location after calling it quits on his football career.

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7. Lalruatthara - 2 in 37 games

The ISL Emerging Player of the Season winner from the 2017/18 season. The defender played for Kerala Blasters and is currently plying his trade for Odisha FC. He has received two red cards in 37 games. He has fallen down the pecking order in terms of domestic defenders and will look towards his upcoming stint with the Juggernauts as a medium to reignite his career.

6. Jose Leudo - 2 in 33 games

Jose Leudo of Colombia played in the ISL for NorthEast United briefly. He featured in 33 matches and received two red cards during that time. The midfielder was a workhorse in the midfield for the Highlanders and crucial during the 2018/19 season, particularly when the outfit qualified for the playoffs for the first-time. 

He also acted as the captain of the team on many occasions and his ability to dominate the midfield with his physicality were very notable features.

5. Henrique Sereno - 2 in 28 games

Despite playing only 28 games, Henrique Sereno is a two-time ISL winner. The center-back won the trophy with ATK and Chennaiyin FC in 2016 and 2018 respectively. However, he also got two red cards in those 28 appearances. 

The former FC Porto star went on to retire as a professional player after his stint with Chennaiyin FC. The center-back bid farewell on a high after lifting the trophy with the Marina Machans.

4. Sahil Tavora - 2 in 26 games

Sahil Tavora of Hyderabad FC has also received two red cards, but in merely 26 appearances. The 25-year-old midfielder has also played for the likes of FC Goa and Mumbai City. Given his age and playing style, Tavora could collect more red cards in the future, but certainly will try not to. 

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Sahil received a lot of attention when he decided to move abroad to play for GDSC Alvarenga Futebol in Portugal during the 2019/20 season.

3. Souvik Chakrabarti - 3 in 88 games

Heading into the top three, Souvik Chakrabarti is the next name in the list. The defender has received three red cards in 88 ISL appearances. The 30-year-old defender has played for teams like Delhi Dynamos, Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City FC. He currently represents Hyderabad FC in the ISL.  

A versatile defender, he can play as a center-back as well as a left-back and brings experience to a team which has several young Indian players in their ranks.

2. Marcelinho - 3 in 79 games

Brazilian playmaker Marcelinho is known to be a hot-head sometimes. He is the type of player who can make erratic decisions in a streak of emotions but also relies on it to create something sublime.

The former Delhi Dynamos attacker and Golden Boot winner has collected three red cards in 79 games. His future in the ISL looks uncertain at the moment but he might join a new outfit in all likelihood due to his abilities in the attacking department. 

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He played for Odisha FC and ATK Mohun Bagan during the 2020/21 season but is without a club at the moment.

1. Ahmed Jahouh - 4 in 76 games

Ahmed Jahouh is the all-time lading player in terms of most red cards awarded. The former FC Goa midfielder currently plays for Mumbai City FC and is known to be careless on occasions. The defensive midfielder has four red cards in 76 games in the ISL.

While Jahouh is infamous for collecting cards, it's his long ball distribution and work rate which make him a standout performer.

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