As you say, we have all played football, so we are all very aware that once you swing for a football, you cant just snap your leg back in place, you have to carry the motion through, im sure when striking the ball he knew it was already gone.We've all played football, I'm sure. We know when the ball has crossed the line. He's looking at the ball. Maybe he needs a visit to Specsavers.
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Which explains his poor clearance, he knew the ball was out and was expecting a corner to be given.