What right does a referee have when a foul is committed off the field?

When a foul is committed off the field, the referee has the authority to caution or eject the player involved in the incident. This ability to administer discipline is grounded in the principle that a player's conduct is subject to oversight even when it occurs outside the lines of play. The rules of soccer recognize that inappropriate behavior, such as violent conduct or unsporting behavior, can still have a significant impact on the game and the safety of players. Therefore, the referee must maintain control of the match and ensure the integrity of the sport by taking necessary disciplinary actions against such conduct, which may include issuing a yellow card for a caution or a red card for an ejection.

Other options, such as issuing warnings or taking no action, do not address the need for accountability in these situations, as they allow for unchecked behavior that could disrupt the match. Stopping the game for a review may not be within the parameters of the referee's authority regarding off-field misconduct, as such reviews are typically reserved for specific situations related to the play occurring on the field.