How Consistent DOGSO Enforcement Could Transform Football

Every football fan has seen a defender cynically haul down an attacker through on goal and only see a yellow card. The free kick comes, but the attacker is denied a clear scoring chance. This highlights the Denial of an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity rule in Law 12. It was designed to punish deliberate fouls or handballs that stop clear goals with a red card and a set piece, making cynical defending too costly. Yet across leagues and matches, the DOGSO rule is applied inconsistently. Returning to mandatory red cards for denying clear goal opportunities would deter unfair fouls and protect the spirit of the game.

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