In a soccer game, a foul can be called for various actions that violate the Laws of the Game, primarily Law 12, which deals with fouls and misconduct. Here are common actions that might result in a foul being called:
- Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent.
- Tripping an opponent.
- Jumping into an opponent.
- Pushing an opponent.
- Tackling an opponent in a careless, reckless, or excessively forceful manner.
- Holding an opponent or impeding their movement with contact.
- Striking or attempting to strike an opponent.
- Charging an opponent unfairly.
- Deliberate handling of the ball (handball), except by the goalkeeper within their penalty area.
- Using excessive force or reckless behavior.
- Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by committing a foul.
- Simulation or deliberately trying to deceive the referee.
- Spitting at an opponent.
- Using offensive, insulting, or abusive language or gestures.
- Delaying the restart of play, dissent by word or action.
- Entering, re-entering, or deliberately leaving the field of play without permission.
- Making unauthorized marks on the field of play.
- Verbally distracting an opponent during play or at restarts.
- Engaging in unsporting behavior such as excessive goal celebration or deliberately circumventing the laws.
These fouls can result in different penalties such as direct or indirect free kicks, penalty kicks, yellow cards (cautions), or red cards (ejections) depending on the severity and nature of the foul.
