Soccer fouls: it’s in the cards
The soccer referee holds within his pocket two of his biggest weapons in the game: the red and yellow cards. These cards are used to caution against fouls at minimum, as well as to remove players from the game if necessary. The colors of the cards dictate their use.A yellow card is given for one of seven offenses, including dissenting words or actions, persistent rule-breaking, delaying the start of play, getting too close to the kicker during a corner kick, free kick or throw in, entering and/or leaving the field without the permission of the referee, and any other general “unsporting behavior.” The first time a player is shown a yellow card, the player’s name is recorded in a notebook and awards a direct or indirect free kick. This ruling may not occur directly after the offense if the referee thinks continuing play will benefit the team that didn’t commit the foul.If player who has been given one yellow card is given another one, they receive a red card and are removed from play. A player can also be given a red card (without being given a yellow first) for serious and excessive foul play, violent conduct, spitting at an opponent, touching the ball with a hand to prevent a goal or scoring opportunity, fouling to prevent a scoring opportunity, or using offensive language or gestures.The definitions for offenses which merit cards are deliberately broad, meaning referees can use them as necessary to ensure a fair and sportsmanlike game.