A defending player (Team A) denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) by pulling an opponent’s shirt (Team B) outside the penalty area. The referee allows play to continue as the ball goes to another Team B player who gains the possession, takes a shot on goal and misses the opportunity (the ball goes over the crossbar). What is the referee’s decision?

Question

Accepted Answer

The goal kick is awarded to Team A. As the referee played advantage for a DOGSO offence and no other sending-off (red card) offence was committed (neither serious foul play nor violent conduct), and a goal was not scored, the offending player (Team A) is cautioned (yellow card) for unsporting behaviour.