A player can indeed receive a second yellow card while being substituted. This often occurs due to delaying the departure from the field of play. Instances like Denis Smith’s dismissal for time-wasting in 1980 show how referees can enforce these rules strictly, impacting team dynamics.
The consequences can be severe, as seen with Jermaine Johnson in 2008, who was booked for kicking a water bottle after being subbed. Rui Costa’s 1997 red card for time-wasting in a crucial World Cup qualifier also led to his team’s elimination, demonstrating the high stakes.
These incidents highlight the importance of adhering to substitution protocols. Even in international matches, player conduct during substitutions is closely scrutinized. Clarence Seedorf’s unique dismissal for ignoring the referee’s instructions further emphasizes that players must follow the rules precisely when leaving the field.