A defender illegally tackles an attacker and denies the opposing team an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO). What is the correct decision if the defender’s leg makes contact with the opponent’s body outside the penalty area, but the attacker’s foot is already inside this area?

Question

Accepted Answer

The attacking team is awarded a direct free kick where the defender’s leg made contact with the opponent. DOGSO offences outside the penalty area are punished with a sending-off (red card), even if the foul was an attempt to play the ball or a challenge for the ball.