re: Lets have a discussion about red cards

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I think they should have a two tier system for red cards. Once a red card is given, it is watched via instant replay and then it's determined which tier the card will be. Tier 1 red, the player is off the pitch, but the team can sub in. Tier 2 red, the player is off and the team cannot sub.

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There are times when red cards are subjective, and I don't think this would help.

In response to the OP, a straight red card is usually merited. If you say that red cards will be punished less harshly than having your team play down a man, then the true punishment of a red is not felt and the players have more of an incentive to play dirty.

Refs should always think before issuing a red, but I don't think they should be reticent to issue them in the first half if the play merits it. If refs really avoided doing this (and sometimes I think they do) you can expect players to take advantage.