Question Number: 28166

Law 15 - Throw In 2/9/2014

RE: Adult

donacha o dwyer of limerick city, Limerick Ireland asks...

I recently watched a schoolboy match under 12's. A defender took a throw in to his own goalkeeper. The goalkeeper missed the ball while trying to kick it clear. The ball rolled over the goal line into the net. The referee to my amazement gave a corner kick. What should be the correct decision?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Donacha
The referee was 100% correct. A goal cannot be scored directly from any throw in. As the ball crossed the goal line directly from the throw in, last touched by the defending thrower the only possible decision is a corner kick.
If it was an attacking throw in the restart would be a goal kick.
I might add that had it been a free kick an own goal cannot be scored directly there either. It is also a corner kick restart. That might even have surprised you more?

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Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Donacha,

A player cannot score against their own team direct from a throw-in (or any other restart).

If the goalkeeper touched the ball and it went in the goal then a goal would be awarded. If he missed it completely, then a corner kick is correct.

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