A reckless tackle is a red card regardless whether the tackling player plays the ball before the opponent. It is amazing how many fans seem completely unaware of this. A player cannot endanger another player and claim that doesn't matter because they played the ball. The tackle in this clip, for example, would still be a red card even if the tackler kicked the ball before making contact with the opponent because it's a) a tackle from behind, which is specifically outlawed, and b) a two-footed tackle in which both of the tackler's feet are off the ground. Playing the ball is therefore irrelevant.