IrelandMatches analysed: 172023–2025Mark Houlihan · First Division: referee stats
Mark Houlihan (Ireland) has shown 4.18 cards per game in 17 analysed matches — −7% compared with the average of the same leagues. Profile: lenient.
Lenient · −7%Upcoming matches with Mark Houlihan
Referee radar
Percentile among 2950 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 17 matches)
Last matches refereed by Mark Houlihan
| Date | Match | Score | Cards (home–away) | Fouls | Pen. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Thu 24 Oct | Bray Wanderers – UCDFirst Division | 2:0 | 3 | — | 0 |
| Fri 11 Oct | Treaty United – UCDFirst Division | 2:2 | 1 | — | 1 |
| Fri 13 Sept | Kerry – Cork CityFirst Division | 1:4 | 7 | — | 1 |
| Mon 6 May | UCD – Cobh RamblersFirst Division | 1:2 | 1 | — | 0 |
| Mon 1 Apr | Athlone Town – Treaty UnitedFirst Division | 1:0 | 3 | — | 0 |
| Mon 25 Mar | Bray Wanderers – Longford TownFirst Division | 1:1 | 6 | — | 0 |
| Fri 15 Mar | Cork City – Bray WanderersFirst Division | 2:0 | 2 | — | 0 |
| Fri 29 Sept | Galway United – Athlone TownFirst Division | 6:0 | 3 | — | 0 |
| Fri 8 Sept | Finn Harps – WaterfordFirst Division | 0:4 | 4 | — | 0 |
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 4.18 cards per game in 17 analysed matches (league average in the same competitions: 4.65).
Is Mark Houlihan a strict referee?
Compared with the leagues where Mark Houlihan officiates, the card count is −7% – profile: lenient. A red card appeared in 12% of these matches.
How often do matches with Mark Houlihan go over 4.5 cards?
Over 4.5 cards in 47% of matches and over 3.5 cards in 53%. Both teams were booked in 82%.
Does Mark Houlihan give many penalties?
A penalty was awarded in 35% of matches refereed by Mark Houlihan.