Question Number: 28022

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/22/2013

RE: Professional

Keith Taylor of Cumbria, Please select ... United Kingdom asks...

England v Germany
England's goalkeeper misjudged coming out for the ball on the edge of the box.The mis judgement caused him to double handed push his own player in the back in an attempt to get at the ball. Should he not have been penalised or is pushing your own player in the back acceptable?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Keith
A player cannot be guilty of fouling a teammate in a challenge for the ball. Fouls can only be committed against an opponent. So in this sitaution there was no offece by the England goalkeeper
A player can be guilty though of violent conduct, spitting or using offensive, insulting and abusive language against a teammate for which he is sent off. The restart is an indirect free kick from where the offence took place.

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Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

In order for a foul to be called there have to be three things:
1. The ball must be play
2. The infraction must be on the field of play
3. The infraction must be against an OPPONENT.

However, misconduct may be made against a teammate but never a foul

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