A
direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits one of a
number of offenses by playing in a careless, reckless, or overly forceful
manner. If a player kicks, trips, charges, strikes, or pushes an opponent, he
can expect the referee to blow the whistle and award a free kick from the spot
of the infraction. Making contact with the other player is not even necessary,
as the referee can call the foul if a player attempts to kick or otherwise
strike the opposition.
In
addition, a direct free kick will be awarded if a player holds an opponent or
spits at an opponent. A direct free kick will also be awarded in the event that
a player makes contact with the opponent before touching the ball when
attempting to win possession of the ball with a tackle.
A
handball will also elicit a direct free kick, though this rule deserves special
attention. In order to draw a handball foul, a player (other than the goalkeeper
inside his own penalty area) must DELIBERATELY handle the ball. No other law in
the Rules of the Game carries the caveat of intention, which makes an important
distinction. This condition prevents unscrupulous attackers from kicking the
ball at the defenders' hands in order to gain the advantage of the direct free
kick.
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