While football (soccer) is considered a contact sport, pushing an opponent is generally not permitted, except under specific circumstances, such as a shoulder-to-shoulder challenge when both players are vying for control of the ball. Match officials usually decide whether the contact was fair or whether it constituted an illegal push based on the circumstances and the amount of force used. However, players are not allowed to use their hands or arms to shove an opponent, push another player in the back, or forcefully knock an opponent off balance. If a defending player commits a pushing offense inside their own penalty area, the referee will normally award a penalty kick.
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