Can a red card be challenged?

Yes, through an Obvious Error (Red Card) Application, made by the player or team official who was sent off for a direct red card.

• Form and deadline: Prescribed Form DR01, submitted to Football Australia by 11:00am Sydney time on the day after the match.
• Fee: $500, refunded if the application is allowed.
• Evidence: the Match Review Panel considers only broadcast footage, match official reports, any verified technical venue footage and the written submissions.
• Decision: to allow it, the Panel's decision must be unanimous. If allowed, the mandatory suspension is not served and the red card is wiped from the record and does not count towards accumulation. If the Panel decides a yellow card was warranted, that yellow is added and does count towards accumulation.
• If rejected: the mandatory suspension must be served and there is no appeal. If the Panel considers the application frivolous, it must add a further one-match suspension.

A player who believes a yellow card was wrongly given because of another participant's simulation can make a separate Obvious Error (Yellow Card Simulation) Application on the same form, deadline and $500 fee.

Source: A-Leagues Disciplinary Regulations 2026/27 Season, clauses 11.5 to 11.19.