Question Number: 15796

Mechanics 6/14/2007

RE: Select Adult

Rich of Sunbury, Ohio USA asks...

Re: Mexico vs. Panama 6-13-07 match

First half incident with three balls on the field. Mexico throw-in. Over zealous ball people toss extra balls on the field AFTER a legal throw-in has been executed by the Mexican player. The center stopped play and restarted with drop ball.

Technically correct - outside agents. Question: wouldn't it be acceptable to use Law 18 and let Mexcio retake the throw? And if you say yes - would your answer change for an incident at a u8 game versus a international competitive match, like this in the Gold Cup.

If you saw the incident a fight almost broke out as angry Mexican players (in what was a very physical game to start with) objected to the Panamaniam players even attempting to step up to the drop ball. The Panamanian players were gesturing that they would play the ball back to Mexico - much shoving and pushing (no disciplinary action taken by the official - it looked quite scary for a moment).

Hindsight being what it is - a very nasty situation could have been prevented by simply giving the ball back to Mexico.

Thanks,
Rich

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Rich,
You seem to have the right idea as to how things COULD have in retrospect have accommodated to solve the needs of the game! It might be that too much time had passed in the opinion of the referee to sell that option! The referee being assessed is in a difficult situation. I personally could do exactly as you suggested and be content however the televised referee allowed play to continue and then stopped play because of the outside interference and chose the drop ball as it fit the law requirements if perhaps not the game needs!

Mexico could have backed off and allowed the Panamanian player to knock it back out for a new throw if they indicated they would it is likely they follow through. Panama could have said we will not participate in the drop ball and backed off. The thing about could it implies choice but a decision must be made.. The referee made it and as such the teams are obligated to follow along. .
Personally I thought the referee did a great job in a difficult match !

I have many friends from Mexico and we are in agreement that as of late we have been very unimpressed by the Mexican team in both the style of play and attitudes displayed on the field. I obviously want Canada to do well but usually Mexico is my second choice but not if the petulant display of attitudes and exaggerations continue. Mexico in my opinion are thinking they are better than they actually are as of late and it reflects in their overall performances! I long for the days when the Mexican keeper would dribble up field and their fluid skill and style of attack was exciting! It is now Hack and Whine Footie and thoroughly unpleasant!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Jon [Withheld]

Interesting but simple. Your solution, perfect for a grassroots or even lesser profesional game. However, every game these FIFA Affiliated International officials step out on they are being assessed. Therefore, everything must be within the letter of the law or they get punished. Therefore, although this did cause a probelm, the referee actually had no choice but to impliment the drop ball. The Panamanian players are well within their rights to compete for that ball.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

An interesting aside to this one is what would you do if players kicked the extras off the field or actually picked them up with their hands and threw them away?

Regards,