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Deliberately fouling to stop a dangerous attack, usually when you've been caught out on the counter. The foul breaks up play, lets your team get back, and costs nothing except maybe a yellow card. Holding midfielders do it most often. It's cynical but effective, and the punishment rarely fits the crime since the attacking team loses a promising situation for just a free kick in a non-dangerous area.
Fernandinho was Manchester City's tactical foul specialist. When opponents broke through the press, he'd take the yellow card, stop the attack, and give his teammates time to reorganize. He accepted the bookings as part of the job.
Robbie
Feb 4, 2026
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