Question Number: 28970

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 11/11/2014

RE: Adult

Warren Mackie of Auckland, New Zealand asks...

What should the referee do if a player scores a deliberate own goal? As I understand it the goal is awarded and I would yellow card the player for unsportsmanlike play.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

If a player scores a deliberate own goal most likely you will be forced to protect him from the keeper and the rest of his team mates who are looking to punch him out! Or maybe you should stop and see if your shoe is tied?? Hmmm Anyway chances are red is the color fo some sort of VC that could flair up if this incident is unchecked if it creates issues within the team itself!
A referee should record such actions in his match report but there is little he can do if one team is playing to lose! The rational of cautioning such behavior really is an oxy moron of sorts as this action appears to be what they want anyway! As my colleague indicates to avoid a dogso/send off! I have actually seen it done! A young keeper playing in the first half switched to defender to start second half but instinctively grabbed a ball headed into the goal, he and I locked eyes, I cocked my head and raised the whistle giving him, the sorry mate you are screwed look, when he tosses the ball over his shoulder into the goal. LOL I did not even caution him!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Warren
It is of no concern to the referee. The referee simply awards the goal. I can assure you that when it happens the players team mates will deal with the player and that will be of more concern to the referee.
There might be an extremely rare situation where perhaps a player aware of a possible sending off for a DOGSO may decide in hindsight to perhaps kick the ball into the goal to ensure that sanction does not happen.
I might add it is extremely rare and I'm not aware of any such situations. The matter should be reported to the competition authority.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The goal is awarded and we start with a kickoff. There is no need for a caution.

Even if a team is deliberately playing to lose, the referee has no responsibility during the game. The incidents should be included in the game report, and the league or other competition authority will handle it from there.