A defender from Team A stops a promising attack (SPA) by pulling an opponent’s shirt. After the referee whistles to stop play for a free kick to Team B, but before the disciplinary sanction procedure has started, another player from Team A picks up the ball and holds it to prevent the free kick from being taken quickly. What is the referee’s decision?

Question

Accepted Answer

Both players are cautioned (shown a yellow card):
* the defender for unsporting behaviour (SPA offence)
* their team-mate for delaying the restart of play
Play is restarted with a direct free kick from the position of the pulling offence.