In-game disciplinary behavior analysis of football matches using clustering technique: a cross-sectional investigation

Fatih Öztunç; Serhat Peker

doi:10.61112/jiens.1791196

In-game disciplinary behavior analysis of football matches using clustering technique: a cross-sectional investigation

Abstract

This study analyzes in-game disciplinary behavior in football matches using a clustering approach, based on 2,212 matches from the Turkish Süper Lig and Spanish La Liga across the 2021–2024 seasons. Eight features including referee experience, home prominence, away prominence, match significance, competition level, match quality, home aggression, and away aggression were used to capture the match dynamics. Hierarchical clustering revealed four distinct match types: prominent home team matches, prominent away team matches, non-prominent team encounters, and high stakes matches with partially prominent teams. Results indicate that team prominence and match significance are key drivers of disciplinary patterns, with referee experience aligned to high demand matches. Differential home and away aggression patterns highlight contextual influences such as home advantage and match pressure. The study contributes theoretically by framing disciplinary behavior as a multidimensional phenomenon and practically by informing referee assignments, match preparation, and aggression management strategies in professional football.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Machine Learning Algorithms

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Fatih Öztunç ^*
0009-0007-9497-6272
Türkiye

Serhat Peker
0000-0002-6876-3982
Türkiye

Publication Date

July 30, 2026

Submission Date

September 25, 2025

Acceptance Date

April 17, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 6 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.61112/jiens.1791196

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA89AP84KH

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Öztunç, F., & Peker, S. (2026). In-game disciplinary behavior analysis of football matches using clustering technique: a cross-sectional investigation. Journal of Innovative Engineering and Natural Science, 6(2), 352-367. https://doi.org/10.61112/jiens.1791196

AMA

1.Öztunç F, Peker S. In-game disciplinary behavior analysis of football matches using clustering technique: a cross-sectional investigation. JIENS. 2026;6(2):352-367. doi:10.61112/jiens.1791196

Chicago

Öztunç, Fatih, and Serhat Peker. 2026. “In-Game Disciplinary Behavior Analysis of Football Matches Using Clustering Technique: A Cross-Sectional Investigation”. Journal of Innovative Engineering and Natural Science 6 (2): 352-67. https://doi.org/10.61112/jiens.1791196.

EndNote

Öztunç F, Peker S (July 1, 2026) In-game disciplinary behavior analysis of football matches using clustering technique: a cross-sectional investigation. Journal of Innovative Engineering and Natural Science 6 2 352–367.

IEEE

[1]F. Öztunç and S. Peker, “In-game disciplinary behavior analysis of football matches using clustering technique: a cross-sectional investigation”, JIENS, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 352–367, July 2026, doi: 10.61112/jiens.1791196.

ISNAD

Öztunç, Fatih - Peker, Serhat. “In-Game Disciplinary Behavior Analysis of Football Matches Using Clustering Technique: A Cross-Sectional Investigation”. Journal of Innovative Engineering and Natural Science 6/2 (July 1, 2026): 352-367. https://doi.org/10.61112/jiens.1791196.

JAMA

1.Öztunç F, Peker S. In-game disciplinary behavior analysis of football matches using clustering technique: a cross-sectional investigation. JIENS. 2026;6:352–367.

MLA

Öztunç, Fatih, and Serhat Peker. “In-Game Disciplinary Behavior Analysis of Football Matches Using Clustering Technique: A Cross-Sectional Investigation”. Journal of Innovative Engineering and Natural Science, vol. 6, no. 2, July 2026, pp. 352-67, doi:10.61112/jiens.1791196.

Vancouver

1.Fatih Öztunç, Serhat Peker. In-game disciplinary behavior analysis of football matches using clustering technique: a cross-sectional investigation. JIENS. 2026 Jul. 1;6(2):352-67. doi:10.61112/jiens.1791196