Question Number: 25474

Law 4 - Players Equipment 9/21/2011

RE: ETC Other

MOHAMMAD IQBAL BALOCH JR of KARACHI MALIR , SINDH PAKISTAN asks...

This question is a follow up to question 2452

MY QUESTION HIS VERY IMPORTANT WHICH WAS OCCURRED IN OUR LOCAL LEAGUE MATCH! IF A PLAYER ACCIDENTALLY LOSSES HIS FOOTWEAR IMMEDIATELY SCORE A GOAL IS PERMITTED YES, HOW EVER IF THE BALL SUDDENLY REBOUNDS FROM GOALKEEPER,COME BACK TO SAME PLAYER WITH IN SECONDS SAME PLAYER KICKS THE BALL IN TO GOAL WHAT ACTION THE REFEREE TAKE,

THANKS AND REGARDS

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mohammad
The Laws of the Game allow for the goal to be awarded.
The Laws state ' If a player loses his footwear accidentally and immediately plays the ball and/or scores a goal, there is no infringement and the goal is awarded because he lost his footwear by accident.''
What cannot happen is that a player continues to play after he loses his footwear. That is playing in a dangerous manner and the referee awards an indirect free kick against the player.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

As Ref McHugh states, the laws allow a player to immediately play the ball after losing an item of equipment. However, they're not clear on whether they can play it again after this.

I wouldn't consider it to be playing in a dangerous manner unless there's an imminent tackle. As long as he isn't being challenged for the ball I'd have no problem with him collecting the rebound and kicking it in.

As long as he hasn't placed himself at risk by engaging in a tackle - or the defenders haven't stood back for fear of hurting him - then I'd allow the goal.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The rebounding from the goalkeeper qualifies as being 'immediate' and the goal should be awarded. If no immediate action is taken the player should be instructed to retrieve his shoe and put it back on. He does not have to leave the field to do this but must not become involved in play until his boot is properly put back on.