How does the referee penalize kicking or attempting to kick an opponent using excessive force if the ball is not in play?

The appropriate action for a referee when dealing with kicking or attempting to kick an opponent using excessive force, especially when the ball is not in play, is to issue a penalty for violent conduct. Violent conduct refers to any deliberate act of aggression that is considered outside the usual framework of the game and poses a risk of injury to another player. This action warrants a severe reprimand, as it demonstrates a clear intent to harm or intimidate another player rather than simply competing for the ball.

In this scenario, since the ball is not in play, any attempt to kick an opponent falls under the category of violent conduct rather than a mere foul. A yellow card typically serves as a caution for less serious infractions, while a red card is often reserved for serious fouls or two yellow cards, but here, the excessive force in a non-play situation clearly escalates the action to the level of violent conduct. Therefore, issuing a penalty for violent conduct is justified and reflects the severity of the act.