Question Number: 31891

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/11/2017

RE: Under 17

Michael Justin of Sydney, NSW Sydney asks...

I recall hearing somewhere that if a keeper was to chuck his shinpad at an opposing player in the box, it would be a IDFK, is this correct or is it a penalty?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Michael
Throwing an object such as a shin pad, water bottle at an opponent is a direct free kick offence. If the target is inside the penalty area it is a penalty kick. Depending on what level of force was used it is certainly a yellow card if reckless and it will be a red card if excessive force was used which makes it violent conduct

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Michael,
you chuck ANYTHING at an opposing player or official or teammate it will be a DFK/PK for striking likely with red card send off .

However if you throw it at the ball it could be an INDFK if it was a keeper INSIDE his PA as he is NOT guilty of this action only as USB caution show a yellow card
OUTSIDE the PA it would be a DFK for handling the ball deliberately as an extension of the hands Any other player it would be a DFK or PK and likely DOGSO
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Michael, I think there may be some confusion here with the provision regarding a goalkeeper throwing a shinguard at the ball. That would indeed be an IFK as ref Dawson has mentioned.

However throwing an object at a player would lead to a penalty kick or direct free kick depending on the location. In addition, the Law says the player must be cautioned or sent off, depending on whether the offence was reckless or involved excessive force, respectively.