What is the restart when play is stopped by the referee to administer a caution?

When a referee stops play to administer a caution to a player, the correct restart is an indirect free kick awarded to the opposing team. This rule is established in the Laws of the Game, which state that play is resumed with an indirect free kick for the opposing team whenever the referee halts the game for disciplinary reasons, such as issuing a yellow card.

The rationale behind using an indirect free kick is that the cautionary action does not directly result from a foul that would warrant a direct free kick or a penalty kick, but instead is a management of the game to maintain proper conduct on the field.

Other types of restarts such as a direct free kick or penalty kick apply only in specific circumstances that involve a direct violation of the Laws of the Game that results in a foul. A drop ball is used to restart play in situations where the game has been stopped for reasons unrelated to a foul or misconduct, which is not the case when a caution is administered.