Question Number: 28300

Law 14 - Penalty kick 4/1/2014

RE: Competive Under 19

Lucky ramaphala of Polokwane, South africa South africa asks...

During kicks from the penalty mark (shootouts), the ball hit the post then hit the goalkeeper's feet and then the ball went inside the goal. The ref said it is not a goal . Is he right?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
The referee made a mistake here I'm afraid if that is what happened. This is what the Law states and I quote
'' When a penalty kick is taken during the normal course of play, or time has
been extended at half-time or full time to allow a penalty kick to be taken or
retaken, a goal is awarded if, before passing between the goalposts and under
the crossbar:
# the ball touches either or both of the goalposts and/or the crossbar and/or
the goalkeeper''
That also applies to Kicks from the Penalty Mark so the ball has struck the goalkeeper before entering the goal.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Lucky,

Ref McHugh has quoted the relevant law. I know some referees like to talk about 'forward momentum' - in that if the ball is bouncing around but still has the initial forward momentum from the kick then it's a goal. I've heard some referees then misinterpret the law to suggest that if the ball bounces slightly out from goal, onto the keeper, then back in, that it's not a goal.

This is not correct, and there are plenty of decisions in the professional leagues to support this. Unfortunately the referee in your match was incorrect.