Question Number: 12364

Law 18 - Common Sense 3/15/2006

RE: AYSO Other

Jonathan Gingerich of LA, CA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 9115

You have got to be kidding! The ball is
going to goal. A fan enters the field
of play. The ball goes into goal. Where
is the "interference"? Don't make it
harder than it already is;-)

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Like Ref marco, I wonder which question you refer to. Once a a spectator (or a dog,cat,sheep,horse,etc.) touches the ball, the ball is dead and must be restarted with a dropped ball. You have a problem with this, take it up with FIFA not us.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jonathan,
if a ball is rolling into the goal as a fan steps onto the FOP then it is entirely possible that a referee COULD wait that brief moment before stopping play I belive in this instance we can agree. ;o)

In the question you refer too (9115) the spectator actually touched the ball which still carried enough momentume to enter the goal?
Park pitch goal could be likely given simply becuse of the mess this creates but the dropball restart is correct in law, pro game the whistle has gone and we have security trying to stop this clown from being beaten to death prior to the drop ball restart!

However, while the stopping of play before the goal was scored has the implications of unfairness the referee must weigh the actions with consequences in REAL TIME . Face it ANY outside agent that is inside a penalty area TRYING to affect play our whistle is going long before. Why was the fan in behind the goal? Was the fan no where near a player? Was the fan at odds with the keeper? The possibility of VC (Violent Conduct) is a REAL and SERIOUS threat in these situations and IF a referee stopped play for the safety of the match the goal lost while unfortunate was not the fault of the referee. Depending on the moral compass of the team who would have been scored upon they could choose to allow the uncontested dropball.
As always your view is appreciated and from the wink I think you are pulling our leg but that if in fun , is fine with me! .
Cheers mate