Fouls in soccer: sometimes tactical, sometimes rough, always unfair

Fouls in soccer are inevitable. Soccer is a contact sport and with 22 players on the field doing everything they can to win every ball, there are always going to be a few shoves and scrapes. What’s important is ensuring the safety of every player and this is central to deciding whether conduct is fair or a foul ball. 

There are several behaviors that are considered foul play and each is addressed accordingly, from a quiet word to an automatic sending off (red card). Also considered is the intention behind the foul as they can be committed both accidentally (in the regular run of play) or on purpose by a player (often referred to as a tactical foul). Here we cover the different types of fouls in soccer and how they are punished. 

What is a foul in soccer? 

A referee may declare a foul for several reasons. If a player is deemed to impede an opponent’s play through an action that is against the rules, such as pulling on the shirt or tackling in which contact is made with the player but not the ball, then the referee will blow the whistle to bring the game to a halt.

For more serious infringements, such as a two-footed tackle or high challenge, the referee can either issue a caution (in the form of a yellow card) or a red card and immediate dismissal from the pitch. Two yellow cards in a single match will also result in a red card and immediate dismissal. 

Further examples of physical fouls in soccer: 

• Excessively bumping and knocking an opponent
• Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent
• Trying to trip an opponent
• Striking or attempting to strike an opponent

Typically, the referee will position themself on the pitch to give them the best possible view of the ball and players. However, in instances where an official has missed a foul or in the event that they require a second opinion, they can call upon the video assistant referee. The VAR officials will review footage of the incident and provide guidance. 

For more on when VAR can and cannot intervene, see our guide here.

How to play on after a foul in soccer

If a foul is awarded to a team anywhere on the pitch, except for the opponent’s 18-yard box, then a free-kick will be given. There are two types of free-kicks: direct and indirect.

A direct free-kick is often given if the player has acted in a way that could be considered careless, reckless, or using excessive force. In other words, if a player has made contact in a way that could be potentially dangerous. A direct free-kick can also be given for a handball. In either instance, the fouled team is permitted a shot on goal directly from the free-kick, presenting a valuable scoring opportunity. For fouls that occur within the 18-yard box, a penalty is awarded.

Watch: Explaining set pieces in football

Certain fouls are more technical in nature and can include no contact at all but still break the rules of the game. For instance, in soccer obstruction is considered a foul, even if no contact has been made. This involves impeding a player’s movement when the soccer ball is not within playing distance of either player. In this example, an indirect free-kick may be awarded; the fouled team must play the ball to another player before being allowed to take a shot on goal. 

One of the most famous indirect free-kicks in Bundesliga history came on the final matchday of the 2000/01 season in a game between Bayern Munich and Hamburg. With HSV scoring a 90th-minute goal to make it 1-0 and another game between FC Schalke and SpVgg Unterhaching already over, it was thought the season was finished and Schalke would be crowned champions. Schalke fans were already celebrating on the pitch when a last-minute indirect free-kick was awarded to Bayern. Patrik Andersson promptly scored for a 1-1 draw, allowing Bayern to become Bundesliga champions with a single-point lead.

Our foul statistics by club provides the latest information on which clubs are currently committing the most and fewest fouls.

Watch: Bayern break Schalke hearts with late free-kick

Examples of fouls in soccer

Many fouls in soccer are given their own nickname, dependent on the circumstance. Some of the most common are:

The ‘offensive foul’

Committed when an attacking player (for example, a striker) fouls the defending player. This often happens during set pieces such as corners, when an attacking player tries too forcefully to create space and clashes with a defending player.

The ‘revenge foul’

When a fouled player momentarily loses his cool and retaliates with a foul of their own. This is considered particularly unsportsmanlike, not to mention potentially dangerous, and is often punished with a yellow or even red card.

The ‘emergency brake’

This is a form of tactical foul when an opponent prevents a player from entering a clear goal-scoring opportunity. This is a last-ditch attempt when a player cannot stop a goal in fair play and so resorts to stopping it unfairly. Clear-cut examples of this foul almost always result in a warning or sending off for the offending player.

The ‘dive’

Officially referred to as a simulation foul in soccer, a player feigns injury or contact to “trick” the referee into awarding a foul. Also referred to as a Schwalbe (swallow) in the Bundesliga, as the shape the player makes as they fall is said to resemble the bird after which the foul is named. Clear examples of players committing simulation fouls are often cautioned with a yellow card.

Negligent fouls in soccer

A soccer foul is classed as negligent by the referee if a player has committed a foul because of a momentary lapse in judgment, acting unduly careless or rash. These types of fouls do not typically result in disciplinary action unless a player has been persistently negligent.

Reckless foul play

A foul ball is considered reckless if the referee decides a player has disregarded the potential risk to the opponent. This type of foul is punishable by a yellow card on the first offense and a red card on the second.

Gross foul play or excessively hard foul play

This is the most serious foul that can be committed and carries with it a clear risk of injury to the opposition player. Rules preventing the use of excessive force, going into a tackle with both feet or from behind, or raising a boot above waist height in a potentially dangerous manner are strictly enforced to minimize the risk of injury. This type of foul in soccer can immediately result in a red card and subsequent match bans. 

Tactical foul in soccer

A tactical foul is committed intentionally, typically to prevent a potential goal scoring opportunity for the opponent. This can be the case when a sudden counterattack catches a team off guard, perhaps with their defense out of position or too far up the pitch, leaving them vulnerable. 

A player may decide it is better to foul the man on the ball by pulling their jersey or unfairly tackling them rather than let them pull away. The subsequent break in play gives the team time to get back in formation, ready for the free-kick. 

If a tactical foul is committed but the attacking team remains in possession with a clear goal-scoring opportunity, the referee can decide to play ‘advantage’. This means the referee does not stop the game immediately but allows play to continue so the attacking team still has a chance to score. Tactical fouls can be punished with a yellow or red card, dependent on how clear a goal-scoring opportunity they denied.

The worst foul in Bundesliga history?

One of the most gruesome fouls in both soccer and Bundesliga history still lives on in infamy in the minds of many football fans today. On August 14, 1981, in a game between Werder Bremen and Arminia Bielefeld, Norbert Siegmann (Werder Bremen) inflicted an almost 8 inch (20cm) long wound to Ewald Lienen’s thigh. Despite the horrific injury, Lienen was still able to confront Werder coach Otto Rehhagel, who he blamed for inciting the incident in the first place. Lienen was then transported from the soccer field to receive much-needed medical treatment from the paramedics, later requiring 23 stitches. 

Bremen triumphed 1-0 and it was not until 2012 that the two players met again and reconciled.