IrelandMatches analysed: 262023–2026Mark Houlihan: referee stats
Mark Houlihan (Ireland) has shown 4.12 cards per game in 26 analysed matches — −11% compared with the average of the same leagues. Profile: lenient.
Lenient · −11%Upcoming matches with Mark Houlihan
Referee radar
Percentile among 2790 referees with at least 15 matches; 50 = typical referee. Each axis compares the referee with the average of the leagues where this referee officiates.
Cards per match (last 20 matches)
Mark Houlihan by competition
| Competition | Matches | Cards/g | League avg | vs league | Penalty | Red card |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 First Division | 17 | 4.18 | 4.65 | −7% | 35% | 12% |
| Premier Division | 9 | 4.00 | 5.14 | −12% | 22% | 0% |
Last matches refereed by Mark Houlihan
| Date | Match | Score | Cards (home–away) | Fouls | Pen. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 21 Aug | Dundalk – Galway UnitedPremier Division | 1:2 | 5 | 25 | 0 |
| Fri 19 Sept | Treaty United – Athlone TownFirst Division | 3:2 | 1 | — | 2 |
| Fri 22 Aug | Wexford – Bray WanderersFirst Division | 0:1 | 6 | — | 0 |
| Fri 1 Aug | UCD – DundalkFirst Division | 0:1 | 8 | — | 1 |
| Fri 18 Jul | Shamrock Rovers – WexfordFAI Cup | 4:0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Mon 23 Jun | St Patrick's Athl. – Derry CityPremier Division | 0:1 | 9 | 26 | 0 |
| Fri 23 May | Galway United – Cork CityPremier Division | 2:1 | 6 | 31 | 1 |
| Sat 10 May | Sligo Rovers – BohemiansPremier Division | 0:1 | 2 | 32 | 0 |
| Fri 2 May | Cork City – Shamrock RoversPremier Division | 1:1 | 4 | 25 | 0 |
| Sat 26 Apr | Longford Town – DundalkFirst Division | 0:3 | 3 | — | 0 |
| Fri 18 Apr | Athlone Town – WexfordFirst Division | 1:1 | 5 | — | 0 |
| Fri 28 Mar | Bray Wanderers – Cobh RamblersFirst Division | 2:1 | 7 | — | 1 |
| Mon 3 Mar | Bohemians – Drogheda UnitedPremier Division | 0:1 | 3 | — | 0 |
| Thu 24 Oct | Bray Wanderers – UCDFirst Division | 2:0 | 3 | — | 0 |
| Fri 11 Oct | Treaty United – UCDFirst Division | 2:2 | 1 | — | 1 |
How the numbers are calculated
Cards = yellow and red cards shown to players during 90 minutes (a second yellow counts as a yellow plus a red, as most bookmakers settle). Cards for coaches and substitutes on the bench and cards in extra time are excluded. Penalties = penalties awarded during the match (shoot-outs excluded). “vs league” compares the referee with the average of the exact league seasons this referee worked, so a referee from a card-heavy league is not called strict just because of the league.
Data: official match events and statistics (API-Sports), updated daily.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards does Mark Houlihan give per game?
On average 4.12 cards per game in 26 analysed matches (league average in the same competitions: 4.82).
Is Mark Houlihan a strict referee?
Compared with the leagues where Mark Houlihan officiates, the card count is −11% – profile: lenient. A red card appeared in 8% of these matches.
How often do matches with Mark Houlihan go over 4.5 cards?
Over 4.5 cards in 42% of matches and over 3.5 cards in 54%. Both teams were booked in 85%.
Does Mark Houlihan give many penalties?
A penalty was awarded in 31% of matches refereed by Mark Houlihan.