IrelandMatches analysed: 552023–2026Paul McLaughlin: referee stats
Paul McLaughlin (Ireland) has shown 5.29 cards per game in 55 analysed matches — +7% compared with the average of the same leagues. Profile: strict.
Strict · +7%Upcoming matches with Paul McLaughlin
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 20 matches)
Paul McLaughlin by competition
| Competition | Matches | Cards/g | League avg | vs league | Penalty | Red card |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Premier Division | 49 | 5.37 | 4.99 | +7% | 18% | 31% |
| UEFA Europa Conference League | 3 | 5.33 | 4.71 | +3% | 67% | 33% |
| FAI Cup | 2 | 3.50 | 3.60 | −0% | 100% | 0% |
| First Division | 1 | 5.00 | 4.96 | +0% | 0% | 0% |
Last matches refereed by Paul McLaughlin
| Date | Match | Score | Cards (home–away) | Fouls | Pen. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 6 Sept | Derry City – DundalkFAI Cup | 4:2 | 4 | — | 1 |
| Fri 7 Aug | Derry City – Sligo RoversPremier Division | 2:0 | 2 | 23 | 0 |
| Fri 3 Jul | Sligo Rovers – Shamrock RoversPremier Division | 1:2 | 6 | 15 | 0 |
| Fri 19 Jun | Bohemians – DundalkPremier Division | 1:2 | 5 | — | 0 |
| Fri 29 May | Shelbourne – Galway UnitedPremier Division | 1:1 | 4 | 21 | 0 |
| Fri 19 Sept | Derry City – ShelbournePremier Division | 1:1 | 2 | 18 | 0 |
| Sun 14 Sept | St Patrick's Athl. – Galway UnitedFAI Cup | 3:1 | 4 | — | 0 |
| Fri 29 Aug | Cork City – WaterfordPremier Division | 2:0 | 1 | 22 | 0 |
| Sun 17 Aug | St Patrick's Athl. – ShelbourneFAI Cup | 2:0 | 2 | — | 1 |
| Sun 3 Aug | Shamrock Rovers – Derry CityPremier Division | 2:0 | 7 | 30 | 0 |
| Thu 10 Jul | Magpies – PaideUEFA Europa Conference League | 2:3 | 3 | — | 1 |
| Sat 5 Jul | Sligo Rovers – Shamrock RoversPremier Division | 2:2 | 5 | 25 | 0 |
| Fri 25 Apr | Shamrock Rovers – ShelbournePremier Division | 2:2 | 6 | 17 | 0 |
| Fri 18 Apr | Bohemians – Cork CityPremier Division | 1:0 | 5 | 17 | 0 |
| Sat 12 Apr | Sligo Rovers – Galway UnitedPremier Division | 1:2 | 8 | — | 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 Paul McLaughlin give per game?
On average 5.29 cards per game in 55 analysed matches (league average in the same competitions: 4.92).
Is Paul McLaughlin a strict referee?
Compared with the leagues where Paul McLaughlin officiates, the card count is +7% – profile: strict. A red card appeared in 29% of these matches.
How often do matches with Paul McLaughlin go over 4.5 cards?
Over 4.5 cards in 64% of matches and over 3.5 cards in 75%. Both teams were booked in 84%.
Does Paul McLaughlin give many penalties?
A penalty was awarded in 24% of matches refereed by Paul McLaughlin.