An attacker is carelessly tackled by a defender inside the penalty area. The defender’s action stops a promising attack (SPA) because the attacker loses possession of the ball which is then kicked outside the penalty area by another defender. What is the correct decision?

Question

Accepted Answer

The referee awards a penalty kick. The defender is not cautioned for the SPA offence, as the foul was part of a challenge for the ball punished with the penalty kick, and the careless tackle itself does not warrant a yellow card.