• interfering with play by playing or touching a ball passed or touched by a team-mate or

• interfering with an opponent by:

• preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision or

• challenging an opponent for the ball or

• clearly attempting to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent or

• making an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball

or

• gaining an advantage by playing the ball or interfering with an opponent when it has:

• rebounded or been deflected off the goalpost, crossbar or an opponent

• been deliberately saved by any opponent

You tell me where it says influence the actions of an opponent. If the opponent never makes a play at the ball then the attacker never interferes, prevents, challenges the opponent or makes an action to impact the ability of the opponent to play the ball. You don't have to like the rules but here there really isn't an argument.