During a throw-in, an opponent unfairly distracts the thrower. What decision should the referee make?

When an opponent unfairly distracts a thrower during a throw-in, the appropriate decision for the referee is to caution the opponent and show a yellow card. This action is justified because it acknowledges unsporting behavior that interferes with the fair conduct of the game.

The rules of the game state that players must respect the throw-in process and not engage in tactics that prevent the thrower from taking the throw-in properly. By issuing a caution, the referee not only penalizes the player who is attempting to disrupt the play but also sends a clear message to all players about respecting the game’s rules and encouraging sportsmanship.

Allowing the throw-in to proceed would overlook the unfair distraction and could set a precedent for similar unsporting behavior in the future. Ignoring the distraction would further encourage such actions, undermining the spirit of fair play. Restarting with a drop ball is not appropriate in this scenario since the foul occurs before the throw-in can be taken, and it fails to address the misconduct of the opponent.

Thus, cautioning the opponent reinforces the importance of fair play and ensures that all players are held accountable for their actions during the game.