Question Number: 31665

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/31/2017

RE: Adult

Jose sanchez of Irving, Tx Unites states asks...

The ball was crossed in the air so the attacker and the goalie went for the ball inside the goalies small box but was never in possesion of the ball and the attacker beats the goalie in the air is it a goal or no

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jose
Why would it not be a goal. Has the attacker fouled the goalkeeper in the aerial challenge for the ball such as a push, charge, pull etc. At one time the goal area or sometimes referred to as the 6 yard box allowed a goalkeeper protection from being legally charged inside the penalty area even when he had the ball in his possession. That is no longer the case as the goalkeeper can no longer be challenged anywhere inside the penalty area once he has POSSESSION of the ball. If there is no foul of the goalkeeper and he did not have possession of the ball then the goal is good.
Have a look at this video
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I3Q9h8urWgg
The referee adjudged that Green 20 fouls the White defender in his challenge for the ball. Does Grren use his arm to hNdle the ball, push the White defender.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Jose.
Like any challenge the referee will look to see if it is fair. A keeper has the use of hands and as such generally can get his hands to the ball before a header if it is a straight jump up. If a keeper gets their hand to it where it is clasped thus possession the attacker must not challenge. You say no possession occurred so the only prerequisite to consider was the attacker charging into the keeper ahead of the ball getting there? Just going up and heading the ball in front of a keeper is NOT a foul and the goal good IF that is how it s seen by the referee!
Cheers