A player is substituted and leaves the field of play at the nearest point. While walking along the touchline towards their technical area, the substituted player notices the ball coming towards them, with an opponent chasing it. The substituted player re-enters the field and kicks the ball to stop a promising attack. What is the correct decision?

Question

Accepted Answer

The referee awards a direct free kick because the substituted player unfairly interfered with play. The offender is sent off (red card) by being shown two yellow cards, one for re-entering the field of play without the referee’s permission and another for unsporting behaviour (stopping a promising attack).