Football is widely regarded as one of the most physically demanding sports in the world.
It’s a game where players put their bodies on the line, sprinting, tackling, and jumping with full force to chase the ball.
However, the intensity of the game often leads to moments of aggression and violence on the pitch.
In such situations, players may commit serious fouls or confront their fellow players or the referees, leading to a booking or even a sending-off.
At times, the offences are so severe that they result in a straight red card, and the player is forced to leave the pitch for the remainder of the match.
This not only affects the game but also results in a prolonged suspension or a ban for several matches.
When it comes to the players who have received the most red cards in football, Gerardo Bedoya’s name sits at the top of the list.
Bedoya, a former Colombian international, is notorious for receiving an astonishing 46 red cards throughout his football career.
Bedoya’s record of being sent off 46 times is a testament to his short temper on the pitch.
He spent most of his career playing in South America and earned 49 caps for his country.
In 2012, during the Bogota derby between Independiente Santa Fe and Millonarios, Bedoya was sent off for elbowing and kicking Millonarios player Jhonny Ramirez in the head.
The severity of the offence saw him being suspended for the next 15 matches.
Even after retiring from football, Bedoya’s short-temperedness continued as he went into coaching.
In 2016, in his first position as assistant manager with Santa Fe, he was dismissed from the dugout after just 21 minutes.
Known as the ‘World’s Dirtiest Footballer,’ Bedoya’s infamous reputation followed him even after his playing days.
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Here are the top ten players with the most red cards
- Gerardo Bedoya – 46
2. Sergio Ramos – 28
3. Cyril Rool – 27
4. Alexis Ruano Delgado – 22
5. Paolo Montero – 21
6. Rafael Marquez – 21
7. Felipe Melo – 20
8. Matteo Contini – 20
9. Fernando Amorebieta – 19
10. Gary Medel – 18