An attacker (Team A) jumps to score a goal with the head, being four metres away from the empty goal. Just before that, a defender (Team B) tries to play the ball, raises their leg to the head level and kicks the ball away. The defender does not touch the opponent, however, this action prevents the attacker from playing the ball for fear of injury. What is the correct decision?

Question

Accepted Answer

The defender played in a dangerous manner and the referee awards an indirect free kick. If the referee decides that this offence denied the attacker an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, the defender is sent off (red card).