29/05/2024
If a player makes contact with an opponent’s face with the hand/arm while challenging for the ball, the referee’s decision depends on the exact circumstances. If the contact is careless, reckless or excessive force, the referee:
1️⃣ awards a direct free kick (or penalty kick if it is within the offender’s penalty area) and
2️⃣ takes appropriate disciplinary action:
➡ CARELESS is when a player shows a lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or acts without precaution. No disciplinary sanction is needed.
➡ RECKLESS is when a player acts with disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, an opponent and must be cautioned (yellow card, YC).
➡ USING EXCESSIVE FORCE is when a player exceeds the necessary use of force and/or endangers the safety of an opponent and must be sent off (red card, RC).
Does such a red-card offence fall under ‘serious foul play’ or ‘violent conduct’?
A challenge for the ball with the hand/arm that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force/brutality is usually sanctioned as serious foul play.
Most examples of violent conduct are away from the ball and/or when the ball is not in play (e.g. punching), however, some challenges where there is no attempt/possibility to play the ball and a player strikes an opponent can be considered violent conduct (e.g. using the fist or elbow).
Find out more: bit.ly/DirectFreeKick_
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