Question Number: 27067

Law 13 - Free Kicks 12/12/2012

RE: Under 14

Filippo of Palermo, Italy asks...

An indirect free kick is awarded, and we know that a goal cannot be scored directly from such a restart.

But a player who does not know the Laws of the Game kick the ball directly towards the opponents' goal, and the ball is about to enter. However, a defender who does not know the Laws as well deliberately handles the ball just a second before it entered the goal. The referee awards a penalty kick, but what about the card?

A red card cannot be shown since no goal has been denied (the referee would have just awarded a goal kick if the ball had entered), so does the defender have to be cautioned for unsporting behaviour? Or will a penalty kick be awarded without showing any cards?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Filippo
As you say a goal cannot be scored directly from an indirect free kick so a player cannot be sent off for denying a goal. The referee should 'wait and see' what develops because if the ball enters the goal advantage can and should be played
As regards whether the player should be cautioned in either instance that is left to the discretion of the referee and it is not mandatory. In the modern game a caution would be expected based on the fact that is an unsporting act by the player albeit he did not know the Laws. Historically the former FIFA Questions and Answers suggested that the penalty kick was sufficient punishment when a goal could not be scored.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

A caution is not mandatory, but in most circumstances is warranted and helpful for match control. The card usually is necessary for the players and for the game for cynical 'professional' fouls like this.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Filippo,

You say the ball was handled 'just before it entered the goal' - if the ball entered the goal after the deliberate handling, a goal must be awarded due to advantage (assuming the referee didn't inadvertantly blow the whistle first).

The defender may be cautioned for his intent to unfairly deny a goal - though some referees may argue that as a goal couldn't be scored you can't consider it a tactical foul, thus cannot caution. I strongly disagree as it's the behaviour that's the concern, not the technicality of the indirect free kick.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

It;s a foolish referee that is quick to blow the whistle when there is an offence very close to the goal. In your scenario, the referee should wait and see and NOT blow the whistle to stop play as soon as the ball is handled and award a goal. Since he did stop play, there can be no red card as a goal could not have been scored so the handling did not prevent one but usually a caution would be in order