Question Number: 28277

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/23/2014

RE: Adult rec, youth competitive Adult

G. Barry Stewart of Chilliwack, bc Canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 27949

It hasn't happened for me yet¦ but here's a potential situation.

Goal kick is flubbed and is rolling toward a speeding attacker. Defender on the penalty area line realizes the danger and deliberately steps in to touch the ball before it clears.

By law, it would be a rekick¦ but is there any yellow or red to show for the deliberate play that takes away an obvious scoring chance?

I'm suspecting no RED at least, as the ball isn't technically in play.

If he had used his hands, surely there would be a yelllow at least for unsporting behaviour.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Barry
Let's take the easy part first. As the ball is not in play there cannot be a goal scoring opportunity.

Now we have to move on to the part of the actions of the player. That is a matter for the referee to decide on based on the circumstances. The referee could determine that it was 'delaying the restart of play' which is a caution. He could determine that there could be misconduct based on the player's action which could include the manner of the challenge on an opponent and that is a caution. The restart does not change. If the hand is used the referee has to decide the reason. Was it to pick the ball up to throw it back? If it was a deliberate action and probably no contact on the opponent the referee can deem it to be delaying the restart.
These situation are quite rare as teams generally don't play short goal kicks when it is likely that the player can be challenged immediately.
My own view is that in most instances the 'best' decision is a retake of the goal kick only and a word with the player/s would suffice.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

It's a rare event, and could not deny a goal. But, the actions should not be ignored by the referee. A public warning to the player not to do it again should be enough for match management purposes. (If the player does it again: (a) a caution is in order; and (b) his teammates will remember that you gave a warning and think he is an idiot.