Question Number: 30691

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/27/2016

RE: Other

Shaji of Shuwaikh, Kuwait Kuwait asks...

Hello sir,
Law 4 players equipments:-
Player losing foot wear/Shinguard accidently can play on until next stopage play.
In center circle one of the player lost his boots while playing. And he continues the game without boots and scored one goal,Is this allowed or not?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Shaji
It all depends whether the player was at risk of injury or not. Without footwear the players shoeless foot can be at risk of getting trod on or kicked by an opponents boot. The Laws allow for the player to continue for an immediate goal opportunity and as long as there is no danger or risk to the player. It is highly likely that losing footwear in the center circle that the player will be at risk once confronted by opponents so play should be stopped once that happens. It is playing in a dangerous manner and it is matter for the referee to decide on based on the circumstances. The equipment is corrected once play is stopped in such a situation and the restart is an IDFK for PIADM.
The loss of a shinguard would be considered also a safety risk although probably less noticeable. It is not likely that a referee will see no shinguard unless the players sock is down at the ankle. The loss should be dealt in a similar manner.

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