While the ball is in play, a substitute (Team A) throws a water bottle at an opposing player (Team B) who is on the field of play. The opponent reacts and avoids the object. What is the correct decision?

THE DECISION

The referee awards a direct free kick (or a penalty kick) to Team B where the water bottle would have struck the player. The thrown object does not need to make contact with the opponent for the substitute to be penalised. The referee takes the appropriate disciplinary action: * reckless – caution the substitute for unsporting behaviour (yellow card) * using excessive force – send off the substitute for violent conduct (red card)