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Rules→Yellow Card & Cautions
Law 12·cards

Yellow Card & Cautions

A yellow card is shown for unsporting behaviour, persistent infringement, dissent, delaying restarts, and several other offences. Two yellows in the same match equals a red.

The full rule

The yellow card is a formal caution. Cautionable offences include: unsporting behaviour such as simulation or tactical fouls, dissent by word or action, persistent infringement of the laws, delaying the restart of play, failing to respect the required distance at corners or free kicks, entering or leaving the field without permission, and deliberately handling the ball. A second yellow card in the same match results in a red card and the player is sent off. Yellow cards carry over in tournaments and can lead to suspension.

Key points

  • ✓Two yellows in the same match = red card and dismissal
  • ✓Simulation, tactical fouls, and dissent are all cautionable
  • ✓Delaying restarts — including time-wasting — is a yellow card offence
  • ✓Failing to respect the 10-yard distance at free kicks is cautionable
  • ✓Yellow cards can accumulate across matches in tournaments

Scenarios

Scenario 1

Deliberate tactical foul to stop a counter-attack

Foul

A midfielder deliberately trips an opponent to stop a dangerous counter-attack. There is no goalscoring opportunity.

Correct call: Yellow card for unsporting behaviour. The foul was deliberate and tactical.
Common mistake: Only awarding a free kick without a card. Deliberate tactical fouls must be cautioned.
Scenario 2

Player protests a decision aggressively

Foul

A player runs up to the referee and repeatedly shouts at them after a decision they disagree with.

Correct call: Yellow card for dissent by word and action.
Common mistake: Letting it go with a verbal warning. Persistent or aggressive dissent must be punished with a caution.
Scenario 3

Goalkeeper wastes time with the ball in hand

Foul

The goalkeeper holds the ball for over 10 seconds without releasing it, clearly wasting time.

Correct call: Yellow card for delaying the restart of play. An indirect free kick is also awarded.
Common mistake: Only awarding the indirect free kick without a card. Time-wasting is a cautionable offence.