What should a referee do if they notice a player with a broken knee brace?

The correct approach for a referee noticing a player with a broken knee brace is to require the player to leave the field for correction. Safety is the primary concern in soccer, and any player equipment that is deemed unsafe must be addressed immediately. A broken knee brace poses a risk not only to the player wearing it but also to other players on the field.

If the brace is broken, it can potentially exacerbate the player's existing injury or cause a new one during gameplay. Therefore, the referee must enforce the rule that requires the player to fix or replace the equipment before re-entering the game. Allowing the player to attempt an immediate fix or continuing to play without addressing the broken brace would compromise player safety, which is a fundamental responsibility of the referee.

While some options may suggest allowing the player to continue or fix the brace on the spot, they fail to prioritize the safety and integrity of play, which should always come first in any sporting context.