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The five players with the most Red Cards in Premier League history

Ever wake up in a cold sweat wondering which players have the most red cards in Premier League history? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered …

Lee Cattermole – 7 red cards

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A combative midfielder who appeared in the Premier League for Middlesbrough, Wigan and Sunderland, Lee Cattermole has received red and yellow cards at a more frequent rate than any player in Premier League history.

Affectionately nicknamed “Clattermole”, his no nonsense style of play saw him become a respected leader, captaining Middlesbrough aged just 18, but has also seen him receive seven red cards and 91 cautions. Having suffered back-to-back relegations with current club Sunderland, Cattermole will be the problem of League One referees this season.

 

Roy Keane – 7 red cards

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A ferocious competitor and the captain of a Manchester United side that dominated English football in the 90’s and early 2000’s, Roy Keane was one of the most complete midfielders of his generation. A nasty enforcer who was tenacious in the tackle, Keane’s reputation was formed on his dominating drive with a tendency for a rash challenge.

His season ending tackle on Manchester City‘s Alfe-Inge Haaland, later admitted in his autobiography to have been deliberate, brought infamy and was one of seven Premier League red cards. Keane was never far from controversy or the referee’s notebook.

 

Patrick Viera – 8 red cards

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A colossus in central midfield, Patrick Vieira was the powerful figurehead and leader of the early period in Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal reign. His rivalry with Manchester United’s Roy Keane is the stuff of Premier League legend, the two captains engaging in some iconic duals.

Despite having the joint-most red cards in the league’s history, only two were straight dismissal’s suggesting his disciplinary record may not be as bad as first perceived. He was, however, once banned for six games for spitting at West Ham‘s Neil Ruddock having been dismissed for a second bookable offence.

 

Richard Dunne – 8 red cards

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A dependable servant to several clubs who’s longevity perhaps contributes to his high ranking, former Manchester City defender Richard Dunne shares the record for most Premier League red cards with eight. With the majority of his dismissals for clumsy challenges and professional fouls, Dunne possibly does not share the same volatile nature as some of the other names on this list.

His disciplinary record did not stop him becoming a fan’s favourite at City, where he won the club’s Player of The Year award in four consecutive seasons. Having retired just short of 500 Premier League appearances, Dunne also holds another unwanted record as the player with the most own-goals in the competitions history.

 

Duncan Ferguson – 8 red cards

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The sole forward to appear on this list, ‘Big Dunc’ spent over a decade terrorising Premier League defences with his aggressive and highly competitive style. A cult-hero at Everton, whilst at Rangers the striker once received and served a three-month prison sentence for an on-field assault of Raith Rovers defender John McStay.

His famed temper and menacing presence continued with a switch to English football, where is he tied as the most sent-off player in the Premier League’s history. He also holds the record for the most straight red card offences, with six, his final dismissal coming for punching an opponent in a game against Wigan Athletic.

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