Obstruction

A foul is committed when a player holds back or blocks another opponent in possession of the ball, deliberately interfering with the opponent player’s chances of retaining possession or scoring a goal.

What is the punishment for obstruction in soccer?

In soccer, obstruction is illegal and depending on how serious the referee considers the offense to be will determine the punishment given.

If the referee feels that both players have challenged unfairly or the obstruction is ‘50/50’ an advantage could be played as possession of the ball is still available.

Usually, if an obstruction is committed outside of the penalty area when there is no threat of a goal, the referee could award a free kick and possibly a warning or yellow card. A red card could be given if the player committing obstruction already had a caution from an earlier offense.

However, in situations when the obstruction prevents an opposing player from scoring a goal or creating a goal-scoring opportunity, for example inside of the penalty area. The punishment could be more severe and a penalty kick and even a red card could be given.