What is the action taken if a player commits a foul inside the penalty area?

When a player commits a foul inside the penalty area, the appropriate action is to award a penalty kick to the opposing team. This rule is in place to ensure that fouls committed by the defending team within their own penalty area are penalized with a chance for the attacking team to score directly from the spot. The penalty kick is taken from the penalty mark, which is 12 yards from the goal line, giving the attacking player a clear opportunity to score while the defending goalkeeper is the only opponent they face.

This rule emphasizes the significance of protecting attacking players’ right to fair play within critical scoring zones. It serves as a deterrent for defenders, as fouls in this area can lead to severe consequences on the outcome of the game. A penalty kick is one of the most impactful decisions in a match, as it could potentially change the tide of the game. The other options do not apply in this scenario, as free kicks are awarded for fouls outside the penalty area, the game does not continue without addressing the foul, and a yellow card is not automatically shown unless the foul warrants disciplinary action.