No such rule as dropping the ball, never has been as far as I'm aware.
Incorrect disposal is throwing or handing the ball to someone, this does exist.
Finally someone else who has clearly read the rule book..
And yes incorrect disposal is a rule in general play, it doesn’t apply when a player is being tackled. A tackle either results in holding the ball or play on.
It should be a prerequisite for any football media people to actually have completed a level one umpiring course.
That way they actually understand the rules as they are actually written.
If you are being tackled ‘incorrect disposal’ doesn’t apply at all. The Stephenson non-free is almost to the letter of the law according to 15.2.4 (e)
15.2.4 Application – Specific Instances where Play shall Continue
For the avoidance of doubt, the field Umpire shall allow play to continue when:
(a) a Player is bumped and the football falls from the Player’s hands;
(b) a Player’s arm is knocked which causes the Player to lose
possession of the football;
(c) a Player’s arms are pinned to their side by an opponent which causes the Player to drop the football, unless the Player has had a prior opportunity to Correctly Dispose of the football, in which case Law 15.2.3 (a) shall apply;
(d) a Player, whilst in the act of Correctly Disposing of the football, is swung off-balance and does not make contact with the football by either foot or hand, unless the Player has had a prior opportunity to Correctly Dispose of the football, in which case Law 15.2.3 (a) shall apply; or
(e) a
Player is pulled or swung by one arm which causes the football to fall from the Player’s hands, unless the Player has had a prior opportunity to Correctly Dispose of the football, in which case Law 15.2.3 (a) shall apply.
Stephenson was immediately pulled to the ground by one arm, he had no prior opportunity, the ball spilled free.
The rules stipulate that is play on!