Question Number: 17001

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/30/2007

RE: Travel Club Under 12

Becky Soule of Bedford, NH USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 6979

In accordance with foul, a player has possession of the ball, and drives through two opposing players, where one is pushed off balance,and a second player, a midfielder, is viciously knocked to the ground by the player with possessions. should there be a call against the player with the ball?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Just because a player has possession of the ball, that does not give him the right to foul opponents. If the ref feels that the player's actions were careless, reckless or using excessive force, the player could be called for a foul of pushing or charging. It could also result in a caution or send-off.

Soccer is a contact sport, and it is not necessarily a foul every time someone is knocked down. Sometimes that is the result of the laws of physics, and not a violation of the Laws of the Game.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If what you say is true, then, yes, the player with the ball should be whistled for a foul. Having possession of the ball does not mean the player is allowed to commit fouls.