There is nothing in the Laws of the Game about "dangerous play". The phrase isn't mentioned so I don't quite know where you've got that from. Direct free kicks are awarded when players commit any of the following offences in a manner which is careless, reckless or uses excessive force:
kicks, or attempts to kick, an opponent
trips, or attempts to trip, an opponent
jumps at an opponent
charges at an opponent
strikes, or attempts to strike, an opponent
pushes an opponent
tackles an opponent
So, if a player goes in for a tackle and misses both man and ball, it is up to the referee to decide whether it was a genuine attempt to play the ball or an attempt to kick/trip the opponent. So, as the Laws are currently written, intent does come into the equation. If he connects with one or the other, it's not an issue, it's either a free kick or it isn't.
The only time that the word "dangerous" appears is when a player "plays in a dangerous manner" which is punishable by an INDIRECT free kick. Usually used for "high feet'.
Jag2010-03-23 14:01:20
Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.
"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003