Question Number: 30231

Mechanics 3/31/2016

RE: Intermediate Under 13

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 30230

Suppose we change the facts. I recall a pro game where the GK took a flying leap at the attacker, cleats showing & basically kicking the attacker in the chest & knocking him to the ground (can't remember which match). Before the referee could intervene, another attacker decked the GK, knocking him unconscious. Both were red carded.

Suppose the first attacker was able to duck so that the GK missed him, & quickly scored a goal...the referee allowing advantage. After the goal is scored, could the referee still have red carded the GK? If so, would it be for serious foul play or for violent conduct?

Thanks again for this terrific site.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Yes, a player can be cautioned or sent off following advantage. Refs are warned to not apply advantage too often when there is a send-off - use it only in a situation where a goal is imminent. Otherwise it's too much of a risk that a player who should be off the field is still there and might be able to affect play. The most egregious example being that the play turns around and the perpetrator manages to run down the field and score a goal.

As for the goalkeeper's flying leap into an opponent, I fail to see how that is making a play for the ball. Normal playing actions that go bad are SFP. Abnormal actions not part of play are VC.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Phil
The advice is to only play advantage on a dismissal when a goal opportunity is immediately imminent so in your example the referee could play advantage, award the goal and then dismiss the player. Those situations are always very rare and if a player is going to be dismissed then it is best done quickly that is within a second or two. Otherwise it open up the possible vista of retaliation plus the possibility that the offender can affect the game further. There is also the opinion that if play is allowed to continue that the offence may have been interpreted as not being serious enough to warrant a sending off or that it is an afterthought by the referee perhaps influenced by opponents or others.