That disciplinary record — the highest in Premier League history — became a defining feature of Sunderland’s turbulent season. The club endured a difficult start, managerial instability, and a prolonged relegation battle, often finding themselves reduced to ten men at crucial moments.

Several of the dismissals came in high-pressure fixtures as Sunderland fought to climb away from the bottom of the table. Red cards for last-man challenges, reckless tackles, and on-field confrontations resulted in suspensions that further complicated team selection during a critical stretch of the campaign.

By comparison, most Premier League sides typically accumulate between one and three red cards per season, making Sunderland’s total of nine a significant outlier. More than a decade later, the record still stands as a reminder of how discipline — or the lack of it — can shape a team’s fortunes.

With 11 matches remaining this season, Chelsea Football Club could yet threaten an unwanted milestone if their disciplinary issues persist.

According to Sky Sports Premier League, the teams with the most red cards in a single Premier League season are:

Sunderland A.F.C. – 9 red cards (2013–14)

Queens Park Rangers F.C. – 8 red cards (2012–13)