Which scenario results in a direct free kick awarded to the opposing team?

When a player trips an opponent, it is considered a foul and interferes with the opponent’s ability to play the ball. This action falls under the category of unfair play, which is one of the reasons that a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team. The Laws of the Game specify that fouls involving physical contact, such as tripping, pushing, or holding, will result in a direct free kick because they disadvantage the player who was fouled and can potentially impact the outcome of the match.

In contrast, actions that demonstrate good sportsmanship, like a player helping an injured opponent or successfully tackling without contact, do not result in a direct free kick because they do not violate any rules of play. These actions either promote fair play or occur without any infringement on an opponent’s rights. Hence, they do not warrant a free kick being awarded to the opposing team.