Find out the story behind the player who received the most red cards in 2023. Uncover the details that led to this player’s disciplinary reputation and delve into the incidents.
In football, red cards are not good. They can affect a player’s reputation and their team’s performance. Looking back at 2023, one player stands out for getting a lot of red cards – Sikou Niakate from Sporting Braga. He got sent off five times during the year, which is the most out of anyone.
Niakate’s red card spree has been spread across various competitions. His five red cards include three in the Portuguese League, one in the Portuguese Cup, and another in the prestigious Champions League.
Let’s break down Niakate’s turbulent journey through the red card territory in 2023:
- 02/02/2023 – Sporting CP vs Sporting Braga 5-0, Liga Portugal:
The year began badly for Niakate when Sporting CP beat Sporting Braga 5-0. During the defeat, Niakate was sent off, which was the start of his disciplinary issues for the year. - 28/02/2023 – Vitoria Guimaraes vs Sporting Braga 2-1, Liga Portugal:
Niakate continued to have disciplinary issues in late February when Sporting Braga played against Vitoria Guimaraes. Despite a closer score, Sporting Braga lost 2-1, and once again, Niakate got a red card. - 04/06/2023 – Sporting Braga vs Porto 0-2, Taca de Portugal:
The Portuguese Cup encounter against Porto proved to be another red card affair for Niakate. With a 0-2 loss, Sporting Braga’s hopes were dashed, and Niakate’s disciplinary issues persisted. - 28/10/2023 – Gil Vicente vs Sporting Braga 3-3, Liga Portugal:
In late October, Niakate got his fourth red card of the year during an exciting 3-3 draw against Gil Vicente. The match showed Sporting Braga’s ability to bounce back, but Niakate’s expulsion raised concerns about his behavior on the field. - 29/11/2023 – Sporting Braga vs Union Berlin 1-1, Champions League:
Niakate received his fifth and last red card of 2023 during a Champions League match against Union Berlin. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Who are Niakete’s closest rivals?
Cristian Lema from Lanús (Argentina) and Jose Canale from Lanús (Paraguay) rank just behind Niakate for the most red cards in 2023. Both players have received four red cards. Canale accomplished this feat in just 14 games.
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