How is punishment for a red card decided?

If a player is sent off, it is a matter of fact the player will be suspended 7 days after the date of the game, as set out by The FA in the Discipline Regulations.

The length of ban depends on the type of misconduct: 

Serious Foul Play

3 match suspension

5 penalty points

Violent Conduct

3 match suspension

6 penalty points

Spitting at an opponent

6 match suspension

7 penalty points

Denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity by an offence punishable by a free kick or penalty kick

1 match

3 penalty points

Denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball

1 match

3 penalty points

Use of offensive, or insulting or abusive language

2 matches

4 penalty points

Receiving a second caution in a match

1 match suspension

3 penalty points

The above sanctions only apply if it is the participants first red card in a specific category of football for the current playing season. An additional match will be added to the suspension for each previous sending off in the same category of football in the current playing season.

You can read more about misconduct charges in the Discipline Handbook.

A link to the most up-to-date version of The FA Handbook can be found below.

The FA Handbook