It can be intensely physical and closely fought, meaning tensions can sometimes boil over.
Using data sourced by Transfermarkt, here is a ranking of the National League’s dirtiest teams.
The table, in ascending order, has been compiled using a points system – a yellow card counts as one point, a sending off because of two yellow cards counts as three and a straight red counts as five.
17. York City
54 yellow cards, no second bookings, four red cards = 74 points. Photo: subm
18. Dorking Wanderers
60 yellow cards, five second bookings, no red cards = 75 points. Photo: subm
19. Dagenham and Redbridge
62 yellow cards, no second bookings, three red cards = 77 points. Photo: subm
20. Aldershot Town
65 yellow cards, three second bookings, one red card = 79 points. Photo: subm
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