Pronunciation: [ɹˈɛd kˈɑːd] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "red card" is straight forward in English. The first word, "red", is spelled phonetically as /rɛd/, with the "e" pronounced as a short "eh" sound. The second word, "card", is spelled phonetically as /kɑrd/, with the "a" pronounced as a short "ah" sound. Together, the two words form the phrase used in football to indicate a severe disciplinary action taken against a player.
A "red card" is a term primarily used in the realm of sports, most prominently in football (soccer), to denote an official disciplinary action taken by a referee towards a player on the field. The red card is a small rectangular card usually colored red, symbolizing the initiation of severe and immediate punishment for the player who receives it. It signifies the player's expulsion from the ongoing match, forcing them to leave the field immediately and prohibits their further participation in the game. This strict penalty is typically issued for serious infringements of the game's rules such as violent conduct, intentional foul play resulting in injury, or the display of an excessive lack of sportsmanship.
The implementation of a red card has significant consequences for the team of the penalized player, as it reduces their playing strength by one member and leaves them at a numerical disadvantage. This disciplinary measure emphasizes the importance of fair play, maintaining order, and ensuring the safety of participants. In addition to football, the red card system is also employed in other sports, including rugby, field hockey, and handball, with minor variations in the rules and procedures. It acts as a powerful deterrent against undesirable and potentially dangerous behavior in sports, reinforcing the notion of integrity and respect between athletes, teams, and officials.
The term "red card" originated in the sport of soccer (football), specifically in the rules and regulations developed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The etymology of the word "red card" is quite straightforward and relates to the color coding used to penalize players.
In soccer, referees use colored cards to communicate disciplinary actions to players during the game. A yellow card signifies a caution or warning, while a red card represents a more severe punishment, typically resulting in the player's expulsion from the match.
The use of red as the color for this severe penalty is believed to have been influenced by various factors. Red is often associated with danger, stop signals, and warning signs. Moreover, the color red tends to catch attention and stands out against the green field, making it easily visible for both players and spectators.
