Which teams have received most red cards in a Premier League season?

A look at the most ill-disciplined teams in PL history.

There is undoubtedly a darker aspect to football, even though it is referred to as the beautiful game. The fiery on-field antics of the Premier League, in particular, are well known. Players have frequently been booked for such behaviour, whether it is a second bookable offence or a lunging tackle.

The division is infamous for its long list of players who have a talent for “seeing red.” As a result, players—regardless of position—head toward the tunnel, giving their side a numerical disadvantage. These are the top eight teams in Premier League history with the most red cards in the league season.

Here are the top eight teams with the most Red cards in the Premier League season:

8. Sunderland (2013-14 season): 8 red cards

Sunderland are the eighth side on this list of most red cards in a single Premier League season. The Black Cats are currently enjoying a decent season, but once upon a time, they used to be a mid-table team. However, things have changed for the club as they continue to strive in the English top division.

But their 2013-14 season will be remembered for their lack of discipline and how most of their players were dismissed from the pitch for unruly behaviour.

7. Newcastle United (2008-09 season) 8 red cards

Premier League’s Newcastle United were a formidable force in the league’s early years. They have amassed an impressive total of 95 red card dismissals over 32 years. However, their poorest season came in 2008-09 when the team were shown eight red cards, which was one of the highest numbers of poor discipline by the club that season.

The Magpies have only missed three seasons of the Premier League since their founding in 1992–1993, but those days appear to be behind them now that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund took over in 2021.

6. West Ham (1999-00 season): 8 red cards

With eight red cards in the 1999-00 season, West Ham United, three-time FA Cup winners, continue to be among the worst offenders in the present history of the well-documented division. The Hammers’ enduring reputation as a tough-tackling team comes from their fair share of ups and downs during the Premier League era.

However, the 1999-00 season was one of the worst in terms of discipline, as they received eight red cards in the PL season.

5. Blackburn Rovers (1998-99 season): 8 red cards

Blackburn Rovers in the 1998-99 season set an unwanted record when they witnessed a total of red cards in the Premier League. Despite not competing in the Premier League for some years now, Blackburn Rovers’ record still remains near the top of this list.

4. Leicester City (1994-95 season): 8 red cards

It was a season to forget for Leicester City as the Foxes endured one of the worst seasons in terms of discipline and on top of that, made a new record in the league as they became one of the Premier League clubs with the most red cards in the 1994-95 season.

They joined other clubs in setting this unwanted milestone, and because their season was frequently characterised by violent fights and stressful circumstances, their players were frequently booked for their aggressive performance during games.

3. QPR (2011-12 season): 9 red cards

Once a top club and competing in the Premier League, Queens Park Rangers have fallen from being an elite side to a underhwelming team and are now competing in the EFL Championship.

In the 2011–12 season, Queens Park Rangers fought relegation with a fierce effort, as they were awarded nine red cards. Throughout that struggle for survival in the league, discipline proved to be costly.

2. Sunderland (2008-09 season): 9 red cards

Under Steve Bruce, Sunderland amazingly finished 13th in the Premier League 2009–10 season despite earning nine red cards. Alan Hutton, Lorik Cana, Lee Cattermole, and Michael Turner were among the eight players who were sent off once, with Turner being the only one who got a dismissal twice. Indicating that in almost 25% of their Premier League games, they had fewer players than their opponents on the field.

1. Chelsea (2025-26 season): 9* red cards

Nine different players received red cards for Chelsea in the ongoing 2025–2026 season, with the exception of Delap, who got one in the Carabao Cup.

Chelsea’s lack of discipline has continuously hampered their attempts in a number of contests in 2025–2026. Four of the dismissals were for two bookable offences, while five were for straight dismissals. In fact, they are joint top of the record for the most red cards by a single team in a Premier League season.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.