While an attacker is running with the ball, a defender grabs the opponent’s shirt and pulls them in a blatant, very unfair manner, causing the attacker to lose balance and the ball. What is the correct decision if allowing play to continue does not benefit the attacking team?

Question

Accepted Answer

The referee awards a direct free kick or penalty kick. Depending on the exact situation, the defender may be cautioned (yellow card) for blatant pulling as unsporting behaviour or for interfering with or stopping a promising attack.