Question Number: 31809

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/22/2017

RE: Competitive Under 19

Salvador Flores of Indianapolis , IN USA asks...

So in the FIFA law book, it says that if the ball is in play and a player commits an offense against a teammate, then it should be penalized as a direct free kick or penalty kick. Who would the ball go to then, if a player struck a teammate in the face and the referee saw it? Would the ball go to the other team or the players' own team?

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Salvador,
The very first line of Law 13 - Free Kicks, states:

''Direct and indirect free kicks are awarded to the opposing team of a player guilty of an offence.''

The same principle applies to penalty kicks.

So if a player strikes a team mate while the ball is in play, their opponents would get the resulting free kick (or penalty).

If it was only one player striking the other (who does nothing in return) then that player would also be sent off. If the second player responds in the same manner, both would be dismissed.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Salvador
Once the ball is IN play the principle is that the opponents will get any resultant free kick awarded for any offence committed. That now includes offences against a match official.
So if a player strikes a team mate the resultant free kick or penalty goes to the opponents from where the offence took place.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

H Salvador, it might seem weird, two teammates fighting inside their own PA get sent off, their team reduced to 9 AND their opponents get to shoot a PK but obtuse behaviour has NO PLACE on the pitch EVER!
Cheers