1. An infraction or violation of the rules in a sport, committed by a player against an opponent or the rules of play
The referee called a sporting foul when the defender tripped the attacker.
O árbitro marcou uma falta desportiva quando o defensor derrubou o atacante.
2. An act that violates fair play principles in sports competition
Excessive contact results in a sporting foul and possible ejection.
O contacto excessivo resulta numa falta desportiva e possível expulsão.