Not if you just 'leave it there'. Similarly, you can deliberately smack someone in the back of the head, off the ball, as long as the main contact is with the arm rather than the fist.
Violent conduct is a red card but 'he knew what he was doing there' can fall short.
In other words, refs can do whatever the hell they want. Or, more accurately, I understand that refs are encouraged to consider the degree of force in assessing violent conduct and/ or endangering an opponent and to prioritise this over intent. Therefore an unintentionally reckless challenge of excessive force is considered worse than an intentional 'challenge' of lesser force.
Last edited by Peter; 04-10-2024 at 12:14 PM.