Shrewsbury captain John Marquis sent off after just 13 seconds as he receives joint-fastest red card in English professional football

Shrewsbury captain John Marquis equalled the record for the fastest red card in English professional football history after the striker was given his marching orders against Peterborough.

With just 13 seconds on the clock at London Road, the experienced Marquis claimed his place in the history books.

The 32-year-old was dismissed by referee Martin Woods after catching Peterborough defender Sam Hughes with an elbow as he tried to control the ball from a long-range pass.

As a result, Marquis matched the record set by former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Kevin Pressman, who was sent off by referee Mark Halsey for handing outside the box in a clash against Wolves on August 13, 2000.

Peterborough would go on to secure all three points on Saturday as goals from Tayo Edun, Malik Mothersille and Chris Conn-Clarke sealed a 3-1 win, but the big talking point was Marquis' red card.

Speaking after the full-time whistle, Shrewsbury manager Gareth Ainsworth played down the offence.

"I don't think it was a red card. John's devastated in the dressing room to be sent off," he said.

"He has tried to put his arm across the centre-half, rather than leading with his arm and trying to whack him. That's two different things. You've got to use your common sense and say 'it's a bit dangerous mate and it's a yellow card'.

Ainsworth added: "Not a straight red. All the fans are baying for it. The bench is up in arms, it's hard for the ref, but come on."

Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson also gave his take on the incident, adding: "It's a first time for everyone where the first action results in a red card. John's gone up to challenge and the referee made his mind up quick."

The joint fastest red card in English professional football & a goal directly from a corner! 🤯

John Marquis was sent off just 13 seconds after kick-off for Shrewsbury, then 8 minutes later Peterborough's Tayo Edun scored straight from a corner kick #pufc | #salop | @EFL pic.twitter.com/jUCF5qZKxb

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 1, 2025

Here's how fans on social media reacted to Marquis' dismissal.

One said: "That’s never a red," while a second commented: "Interesting how this was a red. But Chris Wood doing far worse towards Mikel Merino wasn’t even reviewed let alone awarded as a penalty."

A third wrote: "That’s probably the worst red card I’ve seen… given less than a minute into the game too."

A fourth said: "That was a ridiculous red card," and a fifth added: "That is an embarrassing decision at any level."

Peterborough currently sit 17th in the League One ladder following Saturday's much-needed win over Shrewsbury, who sit rock bottom with seven wins from a possible 34.

Thoughts on the decision? Let us know in the comments.