When does a player receive a caution for spitting at an opponent?

A player receives a caution for spitting at an opponent when it is done intentionally because this action is considered a deliberate act of unsporting behavior. The Laws of the Game define spitting at an opponent as both disrespectful and potentially harmful, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship within the sport. Cautioning a player for this behavior reinforces the expectation that all players should compete fairly and respectfully.

Intentional spitting undermines the spirit of the game, leading referees to take appropriate disciplinary actions to maintain order and fairness. The referee's response is focused on the intent behind the act. If a player did not intend to spit at an opponent, it would not fall under the same level of unsporting behavior that warrants a caution. Hence, the emphasis on intentionality is crucial in determining when such a caution is applicable.

While a referee must see the act in order to issue the caution, the defining factor lies in the intention behind the act rather than merely the visibility of the action. It is the deliberate nature of spitting at an opponent that leads to the disciplinary measure, as well as the impact on the game's integrity.