Question Number: 28762

League Specific 9/21/2014

RE: rec Under 18

Daniel of vien, va usa asks...

This question is a follow up to question 105883

If an attacker gets fouled in the penalty box by a defender from behind with direction towards the goal and only the goalkeeper to beat. The attacker is usually redcarded for denying an OGS Opportunity. But if he is awarded a PK, isn't that a clear goal-scoring opportunity. So in effect, the foul, in result, is not denying an OGO after all. And maybe the rules should change so that a redcard is not warranted.

It just seems a contradiction.

Comments?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Daniel
The reason the Law was introduced was to prevent cynical professional fouling in these situations which was spoiling the game. The game would rather see played goals rather than penalty kick goals.
Now there has been much debate about this Law and change has been muted which includes no sending off in the penalty situation only. In 2010 IFAB the law making body discussed the so called triple punishment of a penalty, sending off and suspension but made no decision on a change. It was put back for discussion to a panel and the wheels of law changes in IFAB turn slowly.
Until that change happens we have what is part of Law 12.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi there Daniel,
It is difficult to regulate every aspect of fair play! The cynical fouling to stop a goal as the pk might miss is certainly a consideration to why DOGSO was put into practise.
It is a conundrum that often plagues FIFA a lot of talk but no specific actions to fix a particular problem. Perhaps because often when they try to fix it, they create another problem. Just look to offside. lol. I agree with you a PK is most definitely a scoring opportunity. It might be worthy to consider if the PK scores we rescind the card or the match ban and let the player renter the pitch? lol
Cheers