Top 5 fastest red cards in Premier League history: Steven Gerrard among the most unbelievable dismissals

In football, a red card is used by the referee to send off a player for serious misconduct or unsporting behavior. Such incidents often occur in the later stages of a match, when tensions rise and players become more aggressive while trying to protect a lead or avoid a negative result, particularly in a highly competitive league like the Premier League. However, there have also been rare occasions when a player was dismissed only moments after the match began. In this article, Soccer24.net highlights the top 5 fastest red cards in Premier League history.

Top 5 fastest red cards in Premier League history

5. Gareth McAuley - 89 seconds - 2015

One of the most unusual incidents on this list involved a case of mistaken identity that led to Gareth McAuley being wrongly sent off just 89s after the kick-off whistle by referee Neil Swarbrick. The moment occurred on March 21, 2015, during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City forward Wilfried Bony was driving toward goal when he was brought down just outside the penalty area by West Brom defender Craig Dawson. Swarbrick initially allowed play to continue, but once Bony lost his advantage, he stopped the game and awarded a free kick. However, instead of punishing Dawson, the referee mistakenly showed a red card to McAuley, who was nearby but had not committed the foul.

The decision drew immediate attention as it marked the second time within three weeks that the wrong player had been sent off in a Premier League match. Swarbrick later acknowledged the mistake and issued an apology through a statement released by Professional Game Match Officials Ltd.

4. Andreas Johansson - 88 seconds - 2006

An early turning point came on February 11, 2006, when Wigan Athletic hosted Arsenal at the JJB Stadium in a Premier League encounter that changed dramatically within minutes of kickoff. Arsenal launched a long ball from their own half toward Fredrik Ljungberg, who was racing clear on goal. Wigan defender Andreas Johansson sprinted back in an attempt to recover but caught Ljungberg’s heels inside the penalty area. Referee Phil Dowd immediately awarded a penalty and showed Johansson a straight red card for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity. The moment nearly became even more costly for Wigan, but goalkeeper Mike Pollitt produced an excellent save to deny Thierry Henry from the spot and keep the score level at 0-0.

3. Dave Kitson - 47 seconds - 2007

Dave Kitson’s dismissal remains one of the fastest red cards ever given to a substitute in Premier League history. The incident took place on August 12, 2007, when Reading visited Old Trafford to face defending champions Manchester United on the opening day of the season. Reading had produced a determined defensive performance and were holding the hosts to a 0–0 draw.

In the 72nd minute, manager Steve Coppell brought Kitson on to replace Kevin Doyle. However, the striker lasted only 47 seconds on the pitch before making a reckless late challenge on United defender Patrice Evra. Referee Rob Styles reacted immediately and showed a straight red card, ending Kitson’s involvement almost as soon as it had begun.

2. Steven Gerrard - 38 seconds - 2015

Steven Gerrard’s dismissal remains one of the most memorable moments in the history of the Northwest Derby. The incident took place on March 22, 2015, when Liverpool hosted Manchester United at Anfield. In what was his final season with the club before moving to LA Galaxy, Gerrard was unexpectedly named among the substitutes by manager Brendan Rodgers.

With Liverpool trailing 1-0 at halftime, Rodgers introduced his captain in place of Adam Lallana in an attempt to change the game. Gerrard entered the pitch to a loud reception from the home crowd and immediately made a strong challenge on Juan Mata. Moments later, as Ander Herrera closed in following a sliding tackle, Gerrard reacted by stamping on the United midfielder’s ankle. Referee Martin Atkinson, positioned nearby, quickly produced a straight red card just 38 seconds after Gerrard had come on.

After the match, the Liverpool captain publicly accepted responsibility for the incident and apologised for his actions. “I need to accept it, the decision was right, I have let my team-mates and manager down today, even more importantly I let all the supporters down,” Gerrard said.

1. Keith Gillespie - 0 seconds - 2007

One of the most bizarre incidents in football, not only in the Premier League, occurred on January 20, 2007 during the match between Sheffield United and Reading at the Madejski Stadium. In the 54th minute, Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock introduced winger Keith Gillespie as a substitute for Derek Geary. While waiting for a Reading throw in to restart play, Gillespie suddenly struck Stephen Hunt with his elbow, hitting the Reading midfielder in the face twice. After consulting with his assistant, the referee decided to send the Northern Irishman off immediately. Since the ball had not yet returned into play after Gillespie stepped onto the field, the dismissal was officially recorded as a red card after zero seconds of active play.

Some of the incidents on this list came down to simple misfortune or even refereeing errors rather than intense confrontations. However, such moments remain part of professional football and players must accept the consequences. Even a legendary figure like Steven Gerrard experienced a situation like this during his career. It serves as a reminder that once a player steps onto the pitch, every action is judged immediately, and there is little room for forgiveness at the highest level of the game.

Top 5 fastest red cards in Premier League history

1. Keith Gillespie - 0 seconds - 2007

2. Steven Gerrard - 38 seconds - 2015

3. Dave Kitson - 47 seconds - 2007

4. Andreas Johansson - 88 seconds - 2006

5. Gareth McAuley - 89 seconds - 2015

Soccer24h has listed the top 5 fastest red cards in Premier League history.

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