A defender fairly challenges an attacker for the ball, and the referee allows play to continue because no foul has been committed even though the attacker fell to the ground. The attacker then gets up and deliberately stamps on the opponent’s back in the middle of the field. What is the correct decision if the ball is still in play?

Question

Accepted Answer

The referee awards a direct free kick to the defender’s team. The attacker’s offence is violent conduct and punished with a sending-off (red card).