A player deliberately steps with some force on an opponent’s foot. This action is not part of a challenge for the ball, as the ball is in play on the opposite side of the field. What is the correct decision?

THE DECISION

The referee awards a direct free kick or penalty kick, depending on where the offence occurred. The offending player is: * sent off (red card) for violent conduct if excessive force or brutality was used; or * cautioned (yellow card) for unsporting behaviour in other cases.