Question Number: 25059

Law 5 - The Referee 6/4/2011

RE: Adult

Mel of Melbourne, Victoria Australia asks...

Can a referee stop the fans watching a game from kicking a soccer ball on sidelines?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The referee should try. Inevitably, the ball enters the field of play.

The only power the referee has over fans is the power to abandon the match if they refuse to stop. That usually is persuasion enough.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mel
Under Law 5 the referee has the powers to intervene when there is outside interference of any kick. The referee can stop, suspend or abandon the match because of outside interference of any kind.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Technically the referee does not have such authority, unless the rules of the competition specifically give the ref authority over spectators. However, if there is outside interference of any kind, the referee may suspend play until that interference has been addressed - usually by the coach of the team for youth and amateur play, but it could be a field marshall if you are so fortunate to have one. If the interference does not cease, the referee can abandon the game.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Of course he can. While the referee has no 'authority' over fans, he can tell them to please stop kicking the ball so close to the field and he is not restarting play until they do. If they refuse the referee may abandon the match but invariably the teams participating in the match will see to the fans stopping their behavior when their match faces being abandoned.