Five of the fastest sendings off in Premier League history | OneFootball

Whether a starter or substitute, players are keen to make an immediate impact on any game they play. Unfortunately for some, that impact isn’t always a positive one.

Self-inflicted or unfortunate, being sent off is the ultimate way to let down your teammates. Doing it in quick-fire fashion, however, is another matter entirely.

We’ve decided to look through the Premier League archives and celebrate the fastest sendings off in the league’s history, blink and you’ll miss them…

Andreas Johansson – 90 seconds

Arsenal v Wigan – 2006

The final game at Highbury is remembered for a Thierry Henry hat-trick and Dennis Bergkamp’s final appearance for Arsenal, though Wigan’s Swedish international Andreas Johansson also enjoyed his own memorable moment.

With Arsene Wenger’s team desperately needing a win to secure Champions League football, Johansson decided to give them a helping hand on their way.

Having only just arrived from the bench, Johansson proceeded to bring down compatriot Freddie Ljungberg in the area and was sent off by referee Uriah Rennie 90 seconds later.

Henry would complete his treble from the spot, Arsenal finished fourth and the club’s chapter at Highbury was finished.

Tim Flowers – 72 seconds

Leeds v Blackburn – 1995

Lasting just over a minute is former England international Tim Flowers. The goalkeeper was part of Kenny Dalglish’s title-challenging Blackburn Rovers side when he received his marching orders at Leeds in 1995. Flowers was penalised for s trip on forward Brian Deane, before being sent off after just 72 seconds.

Blackburn would somehow leave Elland Road with a point following a 1-1 draw, a point which would prove crucial as Rovers were crowned champions by that exact margin later that year.

Steven Gerrard – 38 seconds

Liverpool v Manchester United – 2015

Liverpool legend Gerrard’s final season at Anfield was one of disappointment, with reduced playing time as manager Brendan Rodgers planned for the future. His final fixture against fierce rivals Manchester United was also one to forget, with the Liverpool captain sent off just 38 seconds after coming on as a half-time substitute.

Full of aggression having been left out of the starting line up, Gerrard proceeded to clatter United’s Juan Mata before a stamp on Ander Herrera saw him dismissed by referee Martin Atkinson.

Speaking in his book which was serialised by the Daily Mail, Gerrard said of the incident: As I left the pitch I asked myself: ‘What have you just done? Are you f****** stupid?’

Liverpool would go on to lose the game 2-1.

Dave Kitson – 37 seconds

Manchester United v Reading – 2007

The opening day of the 2007/08 Premier League season saw Reading face the daunting trip to face defending champions Manchester United at Old Trafford. With United struggling for forward options, the Royals battled to a commendable goalless draw, but not before striker Kitson had made their task even more difficult.

Just 37 seconds after coming off the bench, the forward launched into a tackle on Patrice Evra and was swiftly sent for an early bath.

Kitson argued his dismissal from referee Rob Styles was unfair, though Sky Sports pundit Ruud Gullit suggested Kitson’s tackle was so bad it justified a ‘double red card’.

Keith Gillespie – 12 seconds

Reading v Sheffield United – 2007

The quickest red card in Premier League history belongs to former Manchester United and Newcastle winger Keith Gillespie.

Playing for Sheffield United against Reading in 2007, the winger was brought on as a substitute before being sent off just 12 seconds later.

The two had battled for promotion the previous season and their Premier League meeting was hostile.

Jostling for position at a throw-in, Gillespie swung an elbow into the face of Reading’s Stephen Hunt right in front of the referee. Gillespie was duly sent-off, again pushing Hunt in the face as he left the field.

With play not technically having restarted since his introduction, it could be argued Gillespie was dismissed zero seconds after coming on.

Fast forward to 3:14 of the below video to see his quick-fire record dismissal!

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