Does Major League Soccer have a red card problem in 2016?

If it seems like there's been more red cards doled out in 2016, it's because that's precisely what the numbers show: Referees in MLS have handed out more red cards this year than last.

However, it's far from abnormal in league history.

As coaches across the league issue complaints regarding the number of red cards being dolled out this season, the numbers tell a different story. A look back at the league's history shows red cards remain just as prevalent as ever in the first five weeks of MLS action:

(Stats courtesy: MLSsoccer.com)

While the change this season isn't incredibly high compared to the previous two, it's concerning that red-card offenses have steadily increased rather than tapering off. Still, referees aren't necessarily being harsher than they've been in the past, at least not in the opening rounds.

Between 2012 and 2013, there was plenty of leniency shown, though, with record lows in red cards over that span. Five weeks of action may too small of a sample size though, so here are season totals from 2006 to 2015:

What we're looking at is a clear pattern of growth in the number of red cards handed out across multiple sample sizes and seasons. Even more concerning than cumulative totals, though, is the number of straight red cards handed out this year, compared to double-yellow-card offenses:

Why is this happening?

There's no clear answer as to why referees are handing out more straight red cards, but there are a few avenues of thought that may explain this increase: When Seattle Sounders budding star Steve Zakuani went down with a serious (and eventually career-ending) fracture in 2011, the league seemed to crack down on plays that endangered the safety of players.

After Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Matias Laba picked up a red card against the LA Galaxy, Toronto FC midfielder Will Johnson took to Twitter and revealed that referees in MLS have a "new rule interpretation" this season that may explain why more reckless tackles are being punished with a straight red card:

In reviewing each red-card offense so far in 2016, it's tough to side with some of the players. Of the 16 red cards handed out, only a handful have, perhaps, a legitimate claim (which they can appeal to the league).

This tackle by Orlando City midfielder Darwin Ceren looks particularly tame:

The league is looking at things much closer nowadays.

The MLS Disciplinary Committee also has a role to play: Retroactive bans have been handed out more frequently since the league's internal investigative body was given access to video replay in 2011. With its new powers, the committee was also given more areas of discipline on which to focus and make rulings.

Another interesting point to note: The Professional Referee Organization (PRO) has also undergone plenty of changes. In 2013, PRO employed 23 referees, then increased its ranks to 34 in 2014. In 2015, PRO reduced its referee pool down to 25. The organization is, by no means, immune to changes.

With the disciplinary committee doling out suspensions after the fact, referees are being placed under more scrutiny; the red cards they hand out are questioned by team staff, players, fans, and media, and the ones they don't rule on are being reviewed by the league.

So, is there a problem here? The numbers show a somewhat concerning pattern of growth.

However, in the end, what players, coaches, and fans want is transparency and consistency, not necessarily fewer red cards. As the league grows and players get stronger and faster, perhaps the real reason there are more complaints of red cards isn't because the numbers have skyrocketed, but because teams and fans desire a bit more physicality in play.