What happens if a player is sent off?

A player who is sent off must leave the vicinity of the pitch and the technical area. Receiving a second caution in the same match is a sending-off offence.

A substitute may replace a player sent off after kick-off and enter the pitch after two minutes of playing time have elapsed (the team serves a two-minute numerical reduction). The substitute needs the authorisation of the timekeeper or the third referee.

If a goal is scored before the two minutes are up:

• Five players against four, or four against three: if the team with more players scores, the team with fewer players may be increased by one player.
• Both teams on three or four players: neither team is increased until it has served its own two-minute reduction.
• Five players against three: if the team with five scores, the team with three may be increased by one player only.
• If the team with fewer players scores, play continues with no change until the two minutes have elapsed, unless the team with more players scores in the meantime.

A named substitute who is sent off, before or after kick-off, may not be replaced.