What happens if a player commits a foul during a substitution in the first half?

When a player commits a foul during a substitution in the first half, the appropriate action is to caution or potentially eject the player responsible for the foul. This is consistent with the rules governing soccer, which maintain that all fouls must be addressed regardless of the situation, including during substitutions.

The rationale behind this is to ensure that the integrity of the game is upheld. Player safety and sportsmanship are paramount, and committing a foul—even while another player is being substituted—still warrants disciplinary action. A caution may be issued in instances of unsporting behavior or a serious foul that does not warrant an ejection. If the nature of the foul is severe, it can lead to ejection from the game.

Other responses do not align with the established rules. Reversing the substitution or having the game continue without interruption does not reflect the need to maintain discipline during substitutions, while the idea that only the team captain can address the referee does not apply to situations involving fouls, as all players are accountable under the rules. Thus, the correct course of action is to address the foul committed, demonstrating that player conduct is monitored throughout the match, regardless of substitutions.