By Erin Irish
As in most sports, soccer has a number of plays that could be dangerous. One is a high kick which comes close to kicking someone in the face. Another is an unnecessary or extremely forceful slide tackle. The slide tackle is acceptable when used correctly. It can be a very effective defensive move to attempt to steal the ball from the opposing team. When unnecessary or extremely forceful, the slide tackle can be dangerous. I witnessed a player tackled so forcefully by another that the tackled player’s leg was broken. This was definitely an example of a dangerous play. Referees determine whether dangerous plays, like the forceful slide tackle, are thought to be intentional or unintentional. The two options on cards given for dangerous plays are yellow and red. (It is also possible that no card is given.) The red is the more severe card.