Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, of Manchester United, was once again in the spotlight this Saturday in the Premier League—but not for his football. The former Real Madrid player was sent off in the first half against Chelsea, receiving two yellow cards in under 45 minutes. It ended a streak of nearly two years without a red card.

A bitter return to dismissals

The last time Casemiro was sent off was on October 3, 2023, when he received a straight red in a Champions League match against Galatasaray. That incident was surrounded by controversy, as the Brazilian walked off with his head down in a game that ended up complicating United’s European campaign.

Months earlier, on March 12, 2023, also in the Premier League, the midfielder experienced one of the most difficult moments of his career. In a match against Southampton, a harsh tackle earned him a red card and a four-game suspension, which he served in tears, feeling he had let down his teammates.

In that same season, just a month earlier on February 4, 2023, he had already seen his first-ever straight red card as a professional during an altercation at Old Trafford against Crystal Palace, when he grabbed an opponent by the neck during a scuffle.

His record with Real Madrid and the national team

What makes this latest sending-off stand out is how it contrasts with the composure he showed during his long spell at Real Madrid, where in 336 matches he was sent off only twice, both for double yellow cards. During his time with Los Blancos, he never received a straight red, reflecting the discipline and tactical awareness that made him a cornerstone for managers like Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti.

In total, before moving to the Premier League, Casemiro had played more than 560 matches for club and country without suffering a direct expulsion. In England, however, things have changed, as he has now picked up multiple disciplinary incidents that highlight the demanding and physical nature of English football.

The red card against Chelsea reopens the debate about the Brazilian’s role in Manchester United’s midfield, at a time when the team desperately needs consistency in a season marked by ups and downs.