Question Number: 31148

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/3/2017

RE: Rec Adult

Russell of Sydney, Australia asks...

This question is a follow up to question 31140

The question from Simon of Queensland regarding the PIADM issue reminds me of a similar previous post.

http://www.asktheref.com/Soccer%20Rules/Question/31112/

the URL indicated in the previous question has expired / been taken down, however, I have found it elsewhere - it is goal 7 in the below url.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UyClzBehNY
fast forward to 2.12 in the clip.

The two clips with two different outcomes supports the generally common thread to the panel replies to the question from Simon - that these situations can fall into the matter of Opinion.

Maybe the main difference between the two is that Zlatan's foot was noticeable higher. That said, the other clip has the players much closer when contact with the ball is made.

And thus the challenge (pun intended) we have as officials.

:)

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Russell
It can come down to the height of the boot and the referees position to view it. On the disallowed one the boot was excessively high whereas in this one it would look no where near as high. I also think that on the Ibrahomivic one the player could have easily have headed the ball whereas on this one playing it with the foot looked reasonable. In real time at pitch level both will have looked totally different.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Russell ever since Howard Webb showed a yellow card to the foot imbedded into the chest of the Spanish player during the 2010 world cup did I realize he ONLY knew that something had happened not WHAT happened exactly , Because if he knew EXACTLY the Dutch would be down a player. In any situation or condition which we can see possible danger like a raised foot in traffic we try to be aware of the opportunity to realistically play the ball and the proximity of those around if they are being put into harms way. Split second decision making made with moving parts at plus 20 miles per hour and a ball moving at 80 miles an hour all in opposing directions you see studs a head, a ball, a goal or a red imprint in a guys forehead before you can even blink to get that whistle to the mouth. Understanding the POSSIBLE outcomes, the anticipation of what CAN occur separates the movement and the abilities of the very good referee from those out for a bit of exercise.
Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 31156