Couldn't the Southampton player argue that he wasn't initiating the contact

but rather was trying to shield the ball. If you would shield the ball like that in midfield, getting your body in the way of an opponent, and the opponent barged into the back of you, then I think a free kick would generally be given.

There probably should be a higher bar to give a penalty for it though, because otherwise the punishment seems disproportionate to the offence.

Posted By: Mecagoenti, Aug 13, 12:02:11