A defender (Team A) makes a clearance under pressure from an attacker (Team B) and tries to kick the ball away without looking where other opponents are standing. Unfortunately, the ball hits another attacker (Team B) in the face who is three metres away, inside the defender’s penalty area. What is the referee’s decision?

Question

Accepted Answer

The referee allows play to continue (accidental incident, no offence) unless the attacker requires medical attention. In this situation, the referee stops play and allows a doctor to enter the field and examine the player. Play will be restarted with a dropped ball for the defending team goalkeeper in their penalty area.