Question Number: 25230

Law 14 - Penalty kick 7/18/2011

RE: 7 retired Adult

Brian McElligott of Wauwatosa, WI USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 25206

It seems to me that the Center in the USA/Brazil match took a lot of grief over a correct call that was not explained to the fans. Solo (the GK) did not come off her line at the taking of the PK. Another USA player encroached from the right side and was about to collect the rebounding ball (and thereby benefit from the infraction) so that her encroachment became more than trifling. The Center whistled for a re-take and the announcers were clueless. With the wireless communication between the 4th and the Center at that level of play, why not let people know what is going on? The 4th already identifies the subs for us and tells us about the added time.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

It would be refreshing if FIFA would allow more information about referee decisions. But, that seems unlikely to change.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Brian
Thank your for your comments. I believe you are correct. I suspect that from the referee's positioning that she was concentrating on encroachment by the outfield players. As only one USA player entered the penalty area it was perhaps an easier call for her.
In a recent game I awarded a retake for encroachment by outfield players which was unusual. The reason I did that was because all the defending team had deliberately stayed outside the penalty area and the team shouted for encroachment when a number of forwards entered the penalty area before the kick. If both teams had moved into the PA I would probably have let it slide as trifling and nothing would have been said. The retake was converted and no player entered the penalty area which was a good result.