Here is all you need to know about the circle red card and its meaning as its used during the Brentford 1-1 Wolves draw at the FA Cup
During Friday night’s FA Cup match between Brentford and Wolves, referee Tony Harrington issued an unusual “circle red card,” which led many to wonder why.
What is circle red card in football/soccer and its meaning
Neal Maupay opened the score, but Tommy Doyle struck a spectacular equaliser to seal the 1-1 result. Actually, it was something referee Tony Harrington did that drew attention instead of the football.
Harrington sent Wolves player Joao Gomes a straight card in the eighth minute of their third-round match at the Gtech Community Stadium for an unwarranted challenge on Christian Norgaard. It was that, instead of using the customary rectangular card to indicate dismissal, he produced a round card.
Regardless of the shape of the card, Gomes will be disappointed with his dismissal because he will now probably miss his team’s next three matches due to suspension. But if Wolves can successfully challenge the dismissal, this might be lessened. The drawing was even referred to by Bees manager Thomas Frank as the “worst outcome in every aspect” because a repeat would now need to be scheduled in the middle of a very busy schedule of games.
Meanwhile, on social media, the decision generated a lot of discussion. This is not the first time for the occurrence. A circular red card was shown by the referee during the FA Cup match between Sheffield United and Wrexham in January 2023 where the game resulted in a 3-3 draw.
Players who have trouble telling colours apart are helped by circular and oval red cards, according to a referee forum. Before pulling a card from his pocket, it also assists the referee in determining the nature of the card he is going to pull.
Why did we see a circular red card in the FA Cup clash between Brentford and Wolves?
A circular card can be used by officials to help those who are visually impaired or colour blind. This allows the them to recognise the difference in shape rather than colour!
The more you… pic.twitter.com/XhPHNmPNKW
— Footballia (@xfootballia) January 5, 2024
After Wrexham’s exciting draw with Sheffield United last year, a referee’s chat forum reportedly explained all of this, according to The Indian Express:
“The circular and oval cards were originally introduced to ‘assist’ players who couldn’t differentiate between the colours.
Further was stated:
It was also to help the referee who wanted to pull out the quick card, the shape telling him which card he was pulling out.”