It is the point in the year where many are considering handing out cards to friends, family and the milkman, but Premier League referees have taken the lead since August and distributed a record number, although none came with well wishes.
Last season a conservative 30 sendings-off were dished out in 380 matches and after 120 games this time the figure is only three fewer. Admittedly, 2022-23 was an outlier – in the previous four seasons there was an average of 45.5 dismissals – with the second fewest red cards in Premier League history and was not, it would appear, the start of a trend. If the rate of reds continues there will be 85 this season. The league record is 76, from 2005-06.
