Does my nut in! It IS obstruction, no attempt is being made to play the ball and the opposing player is being denied an opportunity by unfair means to attempt to get to the ball. Ray Lewis' view is often cited when shirt pulling/grappling at corners is discussed but eliminating both aspects (by...
Defenders shepherding the ball out for a goal kick or throw in without attempting to play the ball and blocking off an opponent should receive a yellow card and the opposing team get an indirect free kick.