The top flight is on course for a record number of red cards this season with minor infringements becoming costlier
It is the point in the year where many are considering handing out cards to friends, family and the milkman, but Premier League referees have taken the lead since August and distributed a record number, although none came with well wishes.
Last season a conservative 30 sendings-off were dished out in 380 matches and after 120 games this time the figure is only three fewer. Admittedly, 2022-23 was an outlier – in the previous four seasons there was an average of 45.5 dismissals – with the second fewest red cards in Premier League history and was not, it would appear, the start of a trend. If the rate of reds continues there will be 85 this season. The league record is 76, from 2005-06.
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