What action should a referee take if a player spits at the referee?

When a player spits at the referee, it is regarded as a severe act of misconduct under the Laws of the Game. This behavior is considered aggressive and shows a lack of respect towards the match officials, thus warranting a strong response. The appropriate action for a referee in this situation is to display a red card, indicating that the player is to be sent off the field immediately.

Following the dismissal, the game is restarted with an indirect free kick awarded to the opposing team. This action not only maintains the integrity of the game by upholding the standards of conduct expected from players but also discourages further unsportsmanlike behavior. The use of a red card underscores the seriousness of the offense, while the indirect free kick serves as a consequence for the actions taken by the offending player.