An attacker (Team A) and a defender (Team B) are chasing the ball, which was last touched by the attacking team and is about to leave the field of play over the goal line. After the ball has wholly passed over the goal line, the defender recklessly pushes the attacker inside Team B’s penalty area. What is the correct decision?

Question

Accepted Answer

The defender is cautioned (yellow card) for unsporting behaviour. A penalty kick cannot be awarded because the reckless pushing offence occurred when the ball was not in play. Therefore, play is restarted with a goal kick to Team B.