Is a last-man foul always a red card?
I · Intermediate · Yellow cards, red cards and misconduct · 7 of 14No.
How it works
| Offence | Outside the penalty area | Inside the penalty area, penalty given |
|---|---|---|
| Foul that was an attempt to play or challenge for the ball | Red card | Yellow card |
| Holding, pulling or pushing; no chance of playing the ball | Red card | Red card |
| Deliberate handball | Red card | Red card (not the goalkeeper) |
| Handball that was not deliberate | Red card | Yellow card |
The referee considers:
- the distance between the offence and the goal;
- the general direction of play;
- how likely the attacker was to keep or gain control of the ball;
- where the defenders and attackers were, and how many.
If the referee plays advantage and a goal is scored, there is no card for the DOGSO offence (new in 2026/27).
Tricky cases
Why was it a yellow and not a red when the defender was the last man?
"Last man" is not the test. If the foul was in the penalty area, a penalty was given and the defender was trying to play the ball, the Laws make it a yellow card.
Can a goalkeeper be sent off for handball?
Yes, outside their own penalty area, where they are treated like any other player.
Why the rule exists
A penalty already gives the attacking team back a good chance. Adding a red card for a genuine attempt at the ball would punish one mistake three times: a penalty, a sending-off and a suspension.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All football under the Laws | As above; "attackers" added to the considerations and no card after advantage leading to a goal, both 2026/27 | L12.4; Law changes 2026/27 |
From the rule book
IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 12.4 ("Denying a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity"), in force from 1 July 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: IFAB Laws of the Game (PDF).