Question Number: 17809

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/9/2007

David Ogrin of New Braunfels, Texas USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 17650

I am just asking.

It seems as if the substitute committed two cautionable offenses. He first entered the fild without the permission of the referee. Give him an "E". Then he played a ball that was in play. Give him an "USB". Since he received an "E" and an "USB" that equals "2CT" and a red card.

Then you restart with an IFK and we don't have to deal with him later.

Just asking.

David

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Except you can only caution substitutes for UB, dissent and delaying the restart of play - however, yes, it gets you to the same place and it's still an IDFK restart, because you can caution him twice for UB - if it is two separate incidents.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Unless he uses his hands he has not committed an offence. Playing the ball is not an offence, in fact the only offence he has committed is entering without permission. When he does that the referee is obligated to stop play, caution and remove the substitute and restart indirect where the ball was when play stopped. This is an idiosyncrasy in the Laws. players are supposed to conduct themselves as gentlemen and the Laws are written with that in mind. Early in the history of The Game there were no substitutes, when substitutes became part of The Game they stayed close to their technical area or dugout. Only recently do you find them near the goal line. I'm sure penalties will increase should footballers discover they can enter, stop a goal and only be booked for their efforts.

Regards,