Question Number: 16725

Kicks From The Penalty mark 9/16/2007

JP of Sydney, Australia asks...

Our semis went to penalties and won by our team. The opposing team has since raised an appeal against the ref, who ruled as a final decision that the opposing team could not swap their keeper with someone on the pitch.

Whilst, i reconise that the keeper can be swapped, can an appeal really over turn the ref's decision and make us all replay the penalties, given that it might not be possible to have the team available.

Many thanks

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi JP,
sorry to be the one to tell you but if the referee refused a legal right to swap a keeper then he has misapplied the law and your game could be replayed in its entirety not just the shoot out portion. It will depend on how well versed in law and whether your league intends on following that action!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

This is one protest that might have merit because the referee may not refuse the right to change the goalkeeper with an outfield player at any stoppage in play. He must allow the change!

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The referee has blatantly disregarded and misapplied the laws of the Game so it is possible the protest will result in the kicks having to be taken over.