Question Number: 30697

Law 4 - Players Equipment 8/30/2016

RE: Other

Shaji Thrissur of Kuwait, Kuwait Kuwait asks...

This question is a follow up to question 30691

Hello sir,
While a player shooting to goal post,his footwear gone forward to goalkeeper and ball and boot went in to Goal.Is it a Goal?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Shaji
The answer depends on whether the boot had any impact on the goalkeepers actions. If for instances the goalkeeper had to react to avoid the boot at the same time as trying to save the ball then that would be unfair so the referee would stop play and restart with a dropped ball. If the boot had no impact then the goal is awarded.
It is very rare occurrence and one that would not referees would have to deal with if at all.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Shaji,

There is no particular offence by losing footwear or shinpads. The laws allow the player to continue playing and a goal to be scored - as long as he doesn't put anybody (including himself) in danger by playing.

In this scenario, if the shoe has affected the goalkeeper then the goal should be disallowed.

I would personally disagree with Ref McHugh's restart - I suggest it's a free kick to the defending team from the location of the keeper (direct if struck by the shoe, indirect if not) - for either kicking an opponent or playing in a dangerous manner.