The phrase "a clean tackle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in the context of sports, particularly in football or rugby, to describe a tackle that is executed without any foul play or illegal contact.
Example: "The defender made a clean tackle, winning the ball without committing a foul."
Alternatives: "a fair tackle" or "a solid tackle".
The referee saw it as a clean tackle, and indicated a corner kick.
Referee Peter Kokolski ruled it a clean tackle, but the rest of the Power defenders seemed to anticipate a foul call and appeared to have stopped playing.
QUESTIONABLE CALL Defensive end Justin Tuck appeared to make a clean tackle in the second half against quarterback Brooks Bollinger as he threw, but was called for unnecessary roughness.
It was a clean tackle and he's endeavoured to win the ball.
All I remember was I wanted to make a good, clean tackle; I didn't want to go for the kill shot.
55 min: With Galati breaking on the counter, Michael Carrick dispossesses Liviu Antal with a perfectly clean tackle, but gets booked anyway.
City began confidently and with purpose but the pattern changed once the restored Muhamed Besic, who was impressive again, began to stamp his authority on the midfield battle, flicking the ball over the head of David Silva and rousing the home fans with a fully-committed, clean tackle on Yaya Touré for good measure.
After 75 minutes on this hot and humid night, Rooney chased down Chelsea's most prodigious runner, Ramires, and dispossessed the Brazilian with a meaty but perfectly clean tackle.
On the break Murray has a run but he's stopped in his tracks by Turner's firm, clean tackle.
He has a reputation for clean tackling, and was not booked in his first 31 Bundesliga appearances.
It's not a red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity because defenders are allowed to make clean tackles – his only offence here is coming on to the field without permission.
