We can't be going around giving red cards based off ludicrous hypotheticals regarding what might happen when players fall, especially since you seem to be specifically taking it away from the context of the surface he actually fell on to! Players falling to the ground is part of the game - @RefIADad has posted an example of Rooney taking down a player who's moving at high speed as a specific example of the fact that it is safe to knock an opponent over.I would put out there to any referee not deeming this dangerous play consider: Run past me at full pace I will launch my foot at your knee to trip you, you are now falling, tumbling on to potentially a very hard surface, not a manicured watered EPL pitch, have I not endangered your safety? How are your knees and/or elbows, bruised or grazed or potentially worse?
The impact force with the ground can't be a factor unless we're looking to start sending players off any time they knock an opponent over?
Last edited: