Can a direct free kick be awarded after a stoppage for misconduct?

A direct free kick can indeed be awarded after a stoppage for misconduct, particularly when that misconduct is related to a penal foul. For example, if a player commits a serious foul such as a reckless tackle, the referee can stop the match and then resume play with a direct free kick awarded to the opposing team.

In the context of soccer rules, misconduct can encompass a variety of infractions, but it is specifically the penal fouls that warrant a direct free kick. This aligns with the Laws of the Game, which define certain actions that require this type of restart. Thus, if the misconduct falls under the category of a foul that would typically justify a direct free kick, the referee is empowered to apply this sanction upon resuming play.

Other types of misconduct, such as unsporting behavior or dissent, typically result in an indirect free kick or disciplinary actions like cautioning or dismissing a player but would not directly result in a direct free kick unless accompanied by a penal foul. Therefore, the award of a direct free kick appropriately follows misconduct that meets the criteria of a foul under the laws.