Most Red-Carded Managers In Football History
Football is a game of strategy, discipline and emotions. While players are usually the ones who receive red cards, managers on the touchline are not immune to punishment either. Some of the greatest coaches in football history have been dismissed for confrontations with referees, opponents, or even moments of raw frustration.
This article highlights the most red-carded managers in football history. From José Mourinho’s fiery arguments to Diego Simeone’s recent dismissal against Liverpool, these incidents show how even the biggest leaders in football can lose control in the heat of competition.
1. José Mourinho – The “Special One” Who Refuses to Back Down
José Mourinho’s career has been decorated with trophies, but also disciplinary clashes. Known for his outspoken nature, he has been sent off multiple times in the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.
One of the most famous came in Italy during Roma’s clash with Cremonese, where he was shown red for dissent. He was handed a two-match ban and fined by the Italian FA, as reported by Reuters. His confrontations with referees and rivals at Chelsea and Manchester United also remain iconic, underlining his status as one of football’s most polarising managers.
2. Diego Simeone – Passion and Punishment
Diego Simeone embodies intensity on the touchline. His discipline record reflects that passion. In 2014, he received an eight-match ban in Spain’s Super Cup after slapping a match official.
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Most recently, in September 2025, Simeone was dismissed at Anfield during Atlético Madrid’s Champions League clash with Liverpool. The referee showed him a red card for arguing over a decision in a high-stakes match, adding another chapter to his long list of confrontations. His story proves that his fiery personality has remained consistent throughout his managerial career.
3. Paulo Fonseca – The Nine-Month Suspension
In March 2025, Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca received one of the harshest punishments in modern football. After confronting referee Bastien Dechepy in Ligue 1, Fonseca was given a nine-month suspension by the French LFP, a decision widely reported by Reuters and The Guardian.
This incident shocked European football, as it temporarily derailed Fonseca’s reputation as one of the rising managers in France. It remains a reminder of the severe consequences of crossing the line with officials.
4. Thomas Tuchel – When Passion Boils Over
Thomas Tuchel’s animated coaching style has sometimes gone too far. The most memorable incident came in the Premier League during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham in 2022.
Tuchel and Antonio Conte clashed in a furious handshake confrontation that quickly escalated. Both managers were shown red cards, and Tuchel later faced suspension by the FA. While admired for his tactical brain, Tuchel’s touchline behaviour has occasionally landed him in trouble.
5. André Villas-Boas – Trouble in Russia
André Villas-Boas, best known for his spells at Chelsea and Tottenham, made headlines during his time at Zenit Saint Petersburg. He was banned for six matches after confronting a match official, as reported by ESPN and Associated Press.
Although his managerial journey has been less high-profile in recent years, this incident remains a defining moment in discussions about his disciplinary record.
6. Antonio Conte – Energy and Emotion
Antonio Conte is celebrated for his animated celebrations and relentless energy, but those traits have also earned him red cards.
In 2022, during the infamous Chelsea-Tottenham draw, Conte was sent off alongside Tuchel. In Italy, he has also faced suspensions in matches that influenced title races. Conte’s passion has brought him success but also disciplinary problems throughout his career.
7. Maurizio Sarri – Smoke, Tactics and Trouble
Maurizio Sarri, now managing Lazio, has faced his share of red cards too. At Chelsea, he was sent off in a Premier League game against Burnley, an incident that highlighted his fiery side.
Even in Serie A, Sarri has frequently been in disputes with referees, underlining how even a thoughtful tactician can be drawn into controversy on the sidelines.
8. Arsène Wenger – The Old Trafford Infamy
Arsène Wenger, usually seen as calm and analytical, had his own famous dismissal. In 2009 at Old Trafford, Wenger was sent off after kicking a water bottle in anger following a late disallowed Arsenal goal.
Forced to stand among Manchester United fans with arms raised, the image became one of the most memorable red card moments in Premier League history.
Other Notable Cases
Other famous coaches such as Fabio Capello, Mauricio Pochettino and Pep Guardiola have also been sent off in major matches. While not as frequent as the managers above, these incidents prove that even the most composed leaders can lose their cool.
Managers are tasked with guiding their teams, but as these examples show, emotions can sometimes spill over. From Mourinho’s repeated battles with referees to Simeone’s recent dismissal against Liverpool, the touchline remains a stage of high drama.
Red cards for managers may not happen as often as for players, but when they do, they remind us that passion and controversy are deeply woven into the fabric of football.
FAQs
Q1. Who is the most red-carded manager in football history?
A. José Mourinho and Diego Simeone are among the most frequently dismissed managers.
Q2. Which manager received the longest ban?
A. Paulo Fonseca’s nine-month suspension in 2025 is one of the longest bans in modern football.
Q3. Has Diego Simeone been sent off recently?
A. Yes, he was dismissed in September 2025 at Anfield during Atlético Madrid’s Champions League clash with Liverpool.
Q4. Why do managers get red cards?
A. For dissent, leaving their technical area, arguing with referees, or physical confrontations.
Q5. Are red cards for managers as serious as for players?
A. Yes, they lead to suspensions and fines, preventing managers from directing their teams on the touchline.
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