However, due to the trials and tribulations of third tier football it’s easier said than done.
Pompey collected their fair share of cautions throughout the 2021-22 campaign – including Danny and Nicky Cowley.
But how does the Blues’ tally of cards compare to the rest of the division’s?
Thanks to Transfermarkt.com’s points system which distributes one point for a yellow, three for a yellow-red and five for a straight red – they dirtiest team in the league have been revealed.
Here’s what we found out…
9. Pompey - 16th
Yellow cards: 75 Straight red cards: 2 Yellow-red cards: 0 Points: 85 Picture: Robin Jones Photo: Robin Jones
10. Rotherham - 15th
Yellow cards: 68 Straight red cards: 3 Yellow-red cards: 1 Points: 86 Picture: John Walton Photo: John Walton
11. Sheffiled Wednesday - 14th
Yellow cards: 82 Straight red cards: 1 Yellow-red cards: 0 Points: 87 Picture: Steve Ellis Photo: Steve Ellis
12. Cambridge United - 13th
Yellow cards: 74 Straight red cards: 2 Yellow-red cards: 1 Points: 87 Picture: Stu Forster Photo: Stu Forster