Question Number: 30511

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/14/2016

RE: Select High School

Dan of Vien, Va Usa asks...

A situation came up in the penalty area where an attacker had laid off a pass to another streaking attackker.. A defender blatantly fouled the pealed off attackker away from the ball in recklessness or frustration. I awarded a penalty kick. Later, the coach said it was away from the ball...I have always been in the understanding that that does not matter.. Did I make the right call?

A follow-up.. If the ball is in play but behind the play, a defender hits an attacker in the penalty area, what is the correct restart? I don't find this clear in the rules..and would like to clear it up.

Thank you.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Dan,
You're absolutely right - it doesn't matter! You'll notice that Law 12 doesn't make any reference to whether a charge, trip, etc is 'on the ball' or 'off the ball'. Either way, the same penalty applies. I always find it surprising when people argue this myth - I'm sure this isn't the first time he's seen an 'off the ball' foul awarded!

So, this also answers your follow-up question: It wouldn't matter if the ball is up the other end of the field if a keeper decides to, say, punch an attacker loitering in his PA. It's a penalty kick.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Dan
Your decision was 100% correct and well done for making the decision. Many times referees miss off the ball incidents because they are focused solely on the ball. The ball is not required to be present for a foul to be committed. In fact many off the ball incidents also have a strong element of misconduct as the player has deliberately kicked, tripped, pushed, struck an opponent which depending on the severity will most likely to be a caution if not a sending off if excessive force was used.
We all remember the infamous Zidane / Materazzi
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vF4iWIE77Ts
In that incident the restart would have been a direct free kick to Italy at the location of the offence. If to follow up on your last point if the foul / misconduct was committed by a defender inside the penalty area it would be a penalty kick.