Football: Can the referee stop play for an injury or any other reason?

Question

if a player is injured someone will kick the ball out of bounds in order to stop play. My question is whether the referee has any discretion to stop play for an injury or other reason?

Answer 1

The referee is only permitted to stop play for an injury if it is deemed serious. Head injuries, suspected fractures, loss of consciousness, open wounds and heavy collisions would usually be deemed serious; rolled ankles, cramps and minor knocks would generally not be deemed serious.