Pushing

Pushing an opponent is a direct free kick offence. It does not require the player to fall — any use of the hand, arm or body to move an opponent against their will is pushing.

The full rule

Pushing is one of the most straightforward fouls in football but one of the most under-called at set pieces. Any use of the hand, arm or body to shove, push or move an opponent who has not consented to the contact and who is not in a fair charge situation is a direct free kick offence. At corners and free kicks, pushing in the penalty area to gain position is endemic. Referees are specifically instructed to watch for this. A push does not need to result in the opponent falling — a shove that moves them even slightly from their intended path is sufficient for a foul.

Key points

✓Using hand, arm or body to shove an opponent is a direct free kick
✓Opponent does not need to fall — any movement against their will is enough
✓Inside the penalty area by a defender = penalty kick
✓At set pieces, pushing to gain position is frequently unpunished but should be called
✓A two-handed push to the chest or back is always a foul
✓Body check — moving into an opponent's path to push them aside — is also pushing

Scenarios

Scenario 1

Defender pushes attacker at a corner

Penalty

As a corner is delivered, a defender uses both hands to push an attacker away from the ball inside the penalty area.

Correct call: Penalty kick. The push was deliberate and inside the area. Two-handed pushing is one of the clearest foul calls available to the referee.

Common mistake: Not giving the penalty because both players were jostling. Even if both players were making contact, a deliberate two-handed push by the defender is the clearest offence.

Scenario 2

Player uses body to block opponent's run

Foul

A player steps sideways into an opponent's running path and uses their body weight to push them off course.

Correct call: Direct free kick for pushing. Using the body to deliberately redirect an opponent is pushing — hands are not required.

Common mistake: Allowing it because no hands were used. A body check that moves an opponent is pushing regardless of whether hands were involved.

Scenario 3

Minimal contact while competing for position

No foul

Two players lean against each other while competing for position at a set piece. Neither gains a clear advantage.

Correct call: No foul — play on. Leaning and jostling for position where neither player is clearly gaining an unfair advantage over the other is accepted as part of the physical contest.

Common mistake: Giving a foul for any physical contact at set pieces. Competing for position with normal body contact is not pushing.