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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/soc-reckless-yellow

A player makes a reckless tackle on an opponent. What card does the referee show?

A yellow card (caution). Excessive force earns a red.

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  1. No card, just a free kick
  2. A yellow card ✔
  3. A red card

Why: A careless foul needs no card, a reckless foul must be cautioned, and a foul with excessive force must be sent off. All three still give the other team a direct free kick, or a penalty in the box.

Huh, didn't know that: Reckless means acting with disregard for the danger to an opponent.

The dad joke
Why did the tackle get a yellow card? It was too reckless to be careful.
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References

Answer: A yellow card. A careless foul needs no card, a reckless foul must be cautioned, and a foul with excessive force must be sent off. All three still give the other team a direct free kick, or a penalty in the box.

  1. IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct www.theifab.com/laws/latest/fouls-and-misconduct
    Reckless is when a player acts with disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, an opponent and must be cautioned
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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