A substitute enters the field of play without the referee's permission and approaches an opponent. This behaviour distracts the opponent’s attention when the substitute’s team has possession. The opponent strikes the substitute in the face (ball still in play). What is the correct decision?

Question

Accepted Answer

The substitute is cautioned (yellow card) for entering the field without permission and the opponent is sent off (red card) for violent conduct. As the substitute’s offence occurred first, play restarts with a direct free kick to the opposing team from the position of the substitute’s interference.