Tripping an Opponent

Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent is a direct free kick offence. This includes using the leg, foot or body to cause an opponent to lose their balance — even if the ball is not involved.

The full rule

Tripping is making an opponent fall or lose their balance by using the leg, foot or body. Crucially, an attempt to trip is also an offence — the opponent does not need to actually fall. A sliding tackle that trips the opponent rather than playing the ball is a foul. A player who extends their leg to cause an opponent to stumble — even without making contact with the ball — is tripping. The offence applies whether or not the player intended to trip — what matters is the action and its effect. Tripping inside the penalty area by a defender results in a penalty kick.

Key points

✓Tripping or attempting to trip is a direct free kick offence
✓Opponent does not need to fall — an attempt is enough
✓Sliding tackle that trips rather than plays the ball is a foul
✓Extending leg to cause stumble is tripping even without ball contact
✓Inside the penalty area by a defender = penalty kick
✓Intent is not required — the action and its effect determine the foul

Scenarios

Scenario 1

Sliding tackle catches opponent's ankle

Foul

A player makes a sliding tackle and misses the ball, catching the opponent's ankle and causing them to fall.

Correct call: Direct free kick. The tackle caught the opponent rather than the ball — this is tripping regardless of whether the player intended to foul.

Common mistake: Allowing play because the tackle looked committed and genuine. Missing the ball and catching the player is always a trip regardless of intent.

Scenario 2

Player extends leg, opponent trips over it

Foul

As an opponent runs past, a player extends their leg across their path. The opponent trips over it.

Correct call: Direct free kick for tripping. Extending the leg to impede an opponent's run is tripping whether or not there was significant contact.

Common mistake: Not giving the foul because the contact was minimal. The extension of the leg into the opponent's path is the offence — the degree of contact is secondary.

Scenario 3

Player wins ball cleanly, follow-through trips opponent

No foul

A player makes a clean tackle and wins the ball. Their follow-through then catches the opponent's leg.

Correct call: Referee's judgment. If the ball was cleanly won and the follow-through was unavoidable, it may not be a foul. If the follow-through was excessive or reckless, it is still a foul even though the ball was won first.

Common mistake: Assuming winning the ball means no foul can be given. A dangerous or reckless follow-through after winning the ball can still be penalised.