Question Number: 31149

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/3/2017

RE: Rec Adult

Russell of Sydney, Australia asks...

A foul recognition area I want to work on is the shoulder challenge.

In the below url (fast forward to the 4.05 mark), Iwobi from Arsenal puts a challenge on Zaha of Palace.

Looks like a lot of sideways movement in the challenge, as well as a distinct use of the arm.
Historically for me, seems to be an area I see as fouls, yet other (there officials involved) don't.

What do I need to understand more about why this was considered a fair challenge.

http://www.fullmatchesandshows.com/2017/01/01/arsenal-vs-crystal-palace-highlights-full-match-2/

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Russell
The video is inconclusive. It looks like it could be shoulder to shoulder with the ball at playing distance and the Arsenal player is just stronger catching the Palace player off balance.
I also think that the referees position make it difficult for him to call anything other than play on as would be the ARs position. So probably seen as a fair charge in that it was side on, shoulder to shoulder, ball within playing distance as clearly seen by the Arsenal player gaining immediate possession. Also did not seem like much complaint by Palace about it so I would say that it was probably a fair charge.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Russell,
given there was NO call and little complaint looks like play on! Do not forget much of what you see from YOUR angle of view during a match will be strictly an opinion of fair versus foul and will include a measure of interpretation as to how those playing are willing to tolerate a bit of pushing and grabbing that might be permitted as part of the match. Note the extended arm by the CP player to ward off the intersecting run of the Arsenal player and the length of stride which can put you off balance if your outside leg is planted when there is a coming together. I have no issue with no call here, no exaggerated use of arms or particularly forceful pushing, a bit of shoving each others arms down to deflect the the contact point still for me just a 50/50 challenge that we might see as 51/49 as opposed to a foul grabbing attention of 70/30.
Cheers