Question Number: 14490

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/21/2006

RE: Competetive Adult

Steve of Norwich, UK asks...

This question is a follow up to question 13001

My son thinks that if the goalkeeper's feet are in his area and the ball is outside of the area but in mid air, he can handle it without a free kick being awarded. I say it is handball. A Chinese take away is at stake!

Many thanks

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

You are right. It is where the ball is and not the feet. If all of the ball is outside the penalty area, then the keeper cannot handle the ball deliberatly.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Steve,
try the birdnest if you have never had it your son will be pleased no doubt to buy it for you! Still perhaps you should be responsible for the eggrolls as there is no handball only handles the ball deliberately. Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

I make a seriously delicious Broccoli and Beef. If he is buying, which he is because you are right, choose my restraunt for take-aways.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Feet don't matter. All that matters is where the ball and the hands are. Of course, the referee can view any foul, including deliberately handling the ball as trifling.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Alexander

You get the free meal!
The infringement occurs because of the placement of the ball, not the goalkeepers body or legs. Therefore, if the ball is outside the area and is handled by the goalkeeper the result will be a direct free kick to the opposing team. If, in the referee's opinion the goalkeeper deliberately handled the ball the goalkeeper will be cautioned. If, in the opinion of the referee the goalkeeper prevented an obvious goalscoring opportunity by handling the ball outside the area then he/she will be sent off and a direct freekick will be awarded.