Vieira, Ferguson Leads 7 Premier League Players With Most Red Cards

• Red cards have become a frequent thing in modern football through the evolving rules and technology
• Four were issued in the Premier League last weekend, including one to Manuel Akanji
• The English league has witnessed some notorious footballers who were sent off too often

Football officials in the Premier League brandishing red cards are becoming a frequent sight these days because of the evolving rules of engagement and the use of technology.

Four were issued this weekend, including one to Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji during the 2-1 win over Brighton. Burnley, Everton and Bournemouth picked up one each.

Sports Brief looks at the players who have picked up the most red cards in the English league as first analysed by The Analyst.

Patrick Vieira

The Arsenal legend holds the honour of receiving the most red cards in the Premier League, along with three other players. An energetic box-to-box midfielder reputable for tough tackling, he was sent off eight times in the English league.

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Duncan Ferguson

Duncan Ferguson was one of the Premier League's most notorious players ever. He was a menace on the field, and despite his injury-disturbed career, he received eight red cards in 11 years. Per SportBible, he was the first and only British player to be jailed for an on-field offence after headbutting an opponent. The striker served three months in prison.

Richard Dunne

The Irish defender spent all of his professional career with Premier League clubs and was sent off eight times. That was not all. The former Manchester City star turned pundit scored an astonishing 10 own goals.

Lee Cattermole

Cattermole was an aggressive and combative midfielder, one of the most hot-headed players the league has witnessed. He received seven red cards in his PL career. His notoriety was also off the pitch, and he was given a three-year pub ban in Stockton in 2008 for disorderliness.

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Alan Smith

Smith played for three Premier League clubs - Manchester United, Leeds and Newcastle and received at least one red card for each, including five in three years at Elland Road.

Vinnie Jones

The former professional footballer turned actor played in the Premier League for 15 years for clubs including Chelsea and Wimbledon. He received seven red cards, including three times in a season in 1995/96.

Roy Keane

Keane spent most of his playing career at Manchester United. He was a tough tackling midfielder who received seven red cards in his PL career. He had iconic midfield battles playing against Vieira, and it's no surprise both men featured on this list.

Vieira and Keane reunited

Sports Brief reported on Keane and Vieira's reunion at the Emirates Stadium ahead of Arsenal's 3-0 loss to Brighton last season, which further blew their title aspirations.

The two iconic rivals playfully locked heads and punches, recreating some of their past brutal encounters.