What does a red card indicate?

A red card indicates immediate ejection from the match, which is a serious disciplinary action taken by the referee. When a player receives a red card, they must leave the field of play and cannot return for the remainder of the match. This action is typically taken for severe fouls or misconduct, reflecting the referee's decision that the player's behavior warrants removal from the game for the safety and integrity of the match.

The other options relate to different forms of disciplinary measures or recognitions in soccer. For example, warnings or cautions are usually signified by a yellow card. A temporary suspension, often referred to as a "cooling off" period, is not represented by a red card in formal regulations of the game. Lastly, recognizing outstanding play is not associated with a red card, as that would typically involve awards or accolades separate from the officiating process.