After the first half has ended, a player argues with an opponent and strikes them in the face on the field of play. The referee is informed by another match official about the incident as they are leaving the field, heading to the tunnel. What is the correct decision?

THE DECISION

Law 5 clearly states that the referee has the power to show cards during the half-time interval. The offending player must be shown a red card for violent conduct, be prevented from taking any further part in the match, and cannot be replaced by a substitute. If the red card is not shown on the field of play, the player’s team and the opposing team should be informed and, where appropriate, an announcement made for the spectators before the start of the second half.