Ranking the 10 clubs with most red cards in football since 2000

#7 Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid v Liverpool FC: Group B - UEFA Champions League

It would have been quite surprising not to see Atletico Madrid on this list based on their preferred style of play. Diego Simeone has completely transformed the club since joining them in 2011, and the side now plays in a rugged style. Atletico's way of playing involves taking no prisoners, keeping the defense tight, and hitting opponents on the counter.

It's no surprise that Atletico have accrued a high number of red cards in the new millennium. Across all the major tournaments in which Atletico has participated, their players have collectively picked up 143 red cards.

---

#6 Real Madrid

Barcelona v Real Madrid - La Liga

Real Madrid have trumped their city rivals on a list they would have preferred to avoid. There remains nothing new to be said about Real as every football fan knows the rich heritage and legacy of Los Blancos. The club from the Spanish city of Madrid has won the prestigious Champions League more than any other club on the planet (13).

Over the years, Real have won a huge number of domestic titles and cups as well. They have hosted some of the grandest names in the world of football like Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos and many more.

However, Real Madrid players have also accrued 153 red cards in all major tournaments since the turn of the new millennium. It's a record people wouldn't normally associate with a club that plays expansionary football traditionally.

---

#5 Espanyol

RCD Espanyol v FC Barcelona - La Liga

Espanyol is a club with a deep cultural heritage and legacy tied to Spanish history. It is the first Spanish club established without any links to Britain or Central Europe. The club is yet to win a first division title and based on recent trends, it seems near impossible in the foreseeable future. This is even though Espanyol was one of the founding members of La Liga.

Espanyol was recently relegated but returned shortly after to the Spanish top division. The historical rivals of Barcelona have reached finals in the European Cup and won the Copa Del Rey in the past. The Catalan club have accrued 158 red cards since 2000 and are fifth on the list.

---

#4 AS Roma

Jose Mourinho before being sent off in a friendly (Image via Getty)

Football fans revere Francesco Totti for his outstanding loyalty, and AS Roma is the club the great Italian was loyal to. Roma's dominance may have been reduced in later years, with the club going through turbulent times in the current campaign. But the great club has won Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia on several occasions in the past.

AS Roma started the latest millennium in stellar fashion by winning their third Serie A title in 2000-01. However, major success has eluded the club.

Roma are positioned fourth on this list with 164 red cards.