It isn't just the laws. There is plenty of stuff (eg video training for refs) to say that once you leave the ground you're out of control and can't be sure where you'll land. Kompany got a RC rescinded a few years ago (v. Arsenal) because he actually missed the opponent by a long way, but Mike Riley was quoted from a previous incident: "The message is that if you commit to a tackle that is at speed and with intensity, typically with both feet off the ground, then you put yourself at risk of being sent off."
Even that isn't straightforward. If you take a quick FK and the ball hits an opponent less than ten yards away, play on (even if he should have retreated ten yards). If the opponent is close and sticks out a foot to intercept it, that's an offence and should be a YC.
"If a player decides to take a free kick quickly and an opponent who is less than 9.15 m from the ball intercepts it, the referee shall allow play to continue. If a player decides to take a free kick quickly and an opponent who is near the ball deliberately prevents him taking the kick, the referee shall caution the player for delaying the start of play."
It might be mandatory but it doesn't always happen (in the Prem). Feel free to point that out to Mike Riley when next you see him!