A player recklessly tackles an opponent while challenging for the ball, which is on the touchline. What is the referee’s decision if contact with the opponent’s leg occurs outside the field of play, but the ball has not left the field?

Question

Accepted Answer

The player is cautioned (yellow card) for unsporting behaviour. The reckless tackle was committed off the field of play when the ball was in play, therefore, play is restarted with a direct free kick on the touchline nearest to where the offence occurred.