An attacker (Team A) takes a shot which is blocked by a defender (Team B). The ball bounces away, remains on the field of play outside the penalty area and is chased by one player from Team A. However, the referee stops play before the Team A player touches the ball because the defender, who was hit by the ball, is seriously injured. What is the correct restart of play?

Question

Accepted Answer

Play is restarted with a dropped ball for Team A (not for Team B that last touched the ball) because it was clear to the referee that Team A would have gained possession if play had continued. The ball is dropped at its position when play was stopped.