Team A is leading by one goal a few minutes before the end of the second half. While the ball is in play, a player from Team A uses significant force to deliberately kick the ball over the touchline, despite not being under pressure from any opponent. What is the correct decision?

THE DECISION

A throw-in is awarded to Team B. The Laws of the Game do not identify the player’s behaviour as a yellow card offence, especially as it cannot be considered delaying the restart of play because the ball was in play when it was kicked. However, the referee must make correct allowance for the time lost when determining the amount of additional time.