General
professional foul
What does professional foul mean?
A cynical, intentional foul committed to break up a promising attack or deny an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
"He hauled the striker down — a blatant professional foul and a straight red."
Origin
British football term; the foul is a calculated 'professional' decision.
Frequently asked questions
What is a professional foul?
It is a deliberate, cynical foul committed to stop a promising attack or deny a clear goalscoring opportunity, accepting the punishment as worthwhile.
Why is it called a professional foul?
Because it is a cold, calculated decision to break the rules for the team's benefit rather than a clumsy accident.
What punishment does a professional foul get?
Denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity by a foul usually results in a straight red card and dismissal.
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