Standing 1.99 meters tall with a lethal penalty record (19 out of 19 converted) and formidable goal-scoring form, Tomáš Chorý possesses the raw talent and physical presence that most modern strikers can only dream of. Yet, time and again, the Czech forward’s uncontrollable hotheadedness has threatened to undo his career.

Now, his latest disciplinary breakdown has cost him what should have been a lifetime showcase on European football’s biggest stage: facing Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League.

History of red cards

Throughout his career, Chorý has carried an eerie reputation for volatile behaviour. An intimidating target man drawing comparisons to Diego Costa for his relentless physicality, his rap sheet of offences has consistently put him at war with referees, opponents, and his own club hierarchy:

• August 2025 (The Crotch Strike): Chorý served a 6-match ban after hitting Slovácko goalkeeper Milan Heča in the groin during an away match.
• April 2026 (The Spitting Controversy): Sent off against Viktoria Plzeň following a heated altercation with Sampson Dweh. Though later cleared of intentional spitting, the incident drew heavy media scrutiny.
• May 2026 (Derby Disaster): In the high-stakes Prague derby, Chorý received a straight red card after a VAR check revealed he elbowed Sparta defender Asger Sørensen in the head.
• Opta Milestone: The derby dismissal made Chorý the first striker in Czech league history to receive three red cards in a single season.

Following the derby red card, Slavia Prague chairman Jaroslav Tvrdík publicly criticised Chorý’s inability to control his temper, removing him from the first team and declaring he would not play for Slavia again. It was only after club owner Pavel Tykač intervened during pre-season that Chorý was granted a lifeline and reinstated to the squad.

Final Straw

Upon his return, Chorý proved his clinical value on the pitch, netting key goals and leading Slavia’s attack. However, the calm spell was short-lived.

In an October league clash against Hradec Králové, Chorý committed the unthinkable once again. In the 55th minute—with Slavia pressing during their best spell of the match—he raised his middle finger toward referee Všetečka. A straight red card was immediately shown, leaving Slavia down to 10 men and dropping crucial points in a 0–0 draw.

Manager Jindřich Trpišovský pulled no punches post-match, condemning the incident and declaring that Chorý had cost the team. Slavia acted swiftly: the 31-year-old forward was fined a month’s salary, exiled to the reserve setup for the rest of the autumn, and placed on the transfer list for an immediate winter departure.

The cost of indiscipline

As Slavia Prague prepare to host Premier League giants Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League, Chorý finds himself completely banished from the squad.

Instead of leading the line against one of Europe’s elite defenses under the floodlights, the towering striker will be watching from the sidelines—a self-inflicted exile that serves as a stark reminder of how uncontrolled temperament can derail a lifetime opportunity.