On August 19, 1992, the Premier League officially entered its period of harsh justice. On that steamy evening, officials Ray Bigger and Stephen Lodge both dismissed Southampton's Micky Adams and Manchester City's Niall Quinn. The first two of the more than 1,700 red cards that have been issued in a Premier League game to date, 114 of them by the unstoppable Mike Dean. However, although referees take dismissals with pride and a sense of responsibility, for the players it may be a source of embarrassment, especially if the ensuing ban prevents them from participating in one or more important games. However, a lot of them will contend that the choices they took when under fire were sound ones.
But which players in Premier League history have been dismissed from games the most? Who are Our League's bad boys? Find out by reading on.
Patrick Vieira (eight red cards)
In 1998, while still in the league, referee Stephen Lodge (see above) had the honor of issuing Patrick Vieira's first of eight Premier League red cards. Unquestionably one of the best midfielders the English Premier League has ever seen, Vieira commanded Arsenal during their most successful period with an extraordinarily diverse set of skills. Vieira was capable of everything: goals, assists, passes, tackles, pressing, and so forth.
Ferguson, Duncan (eight red cards)
POV: You are asked to name one of the three Premier League players who have received a record-breaking eight red cards while taking part in a pub quiz. You get to your feet in fear and uncertainty and make the safest decision you can. Duncan Ferguson, I guess. It's true, of course. Rarely has a football player displayed such menace as the former Everton and Newcastle United midfielder, who despite injuries derailing a large portion of his professional career, was sent off eight times in 11 seasons of Premier League play. Everyone will have a favorite, but the final red—away at Wigan, when Mike Dean ordered everyone off—might be the best example. Jimmy Bullard's comedic career was simultaneously launched.
Richard Dunne (eight red cards)
Richard Dunne was a frequently underrated player who earned a spot in the 2009–10 PFA Premier League Team of the Year, alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas, and Didier Drogba. It seems unfair that Richard Dunne seems destined to be remembered for red cards and own goals throughout his career. However, because this article is about red cards, Dunne did receive eight of them, including two each from Andy D'Urso and Mike Dean. When you take an early bath, at least, you can't score an own goal.
Cattermole, Lee (seven red cards)
A disciplinary issue was never far away for Lee Cattermole. It should never be forgotten that it's quite doubtful you'll be able to operate and thrive as a Premier League player if all you have to offer is hostility. Combative midfielders are revered by some managers and feared by others. However, Cattermole and violence were inseparable; in fact, one of his Sunderland managers, Gus Poyet, stated of Cattermole, "With Lee we know when he's furious he'll make this kind of tackle. I am aware that other managers have attempted to manage him and have spoken about him in the past.
Alan Smith (seven red cards)
Vinnie Jones (seven red cards)
Roy Keane (seven red cards)