Can a player be cautioned for unsporting behavior during a throw-in?

A player can indeed be cautioned for unsporting behavior during a throw-in if their actions are deemed inappropriate. This is grounded in the Laws of the Game, which stipulate that players are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and adhere to the rules during all phases of play, including throw-ins. Unsporting behavior can include actions such as dissent, delaying the restart of play, or showing a lack of respect for the game.

The notion that a player could only be cautioned under specific conditions—like the throw-in being successful or during a dead ball situation—is incorrect. The offense of unsporting behavior can occur at any time when the player is engaging in a throw-in and can warrant a caution irrespective of the outcome of the throw-in or the state of play at that moment. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining sportsmanship throughout the game.