Question Number: 31917

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/18/2017

RE: Rec Adult

Russell of Sydney, Australia asks...

The UCL Real v Spurs had what looked like what may have been a missed penalty to Spurs.

https://ok.ru/video/345519884902?fromTime=104

There was a clever hold of the spurs players foot by the Real player.
Not by the hand, but by his foot held in position " what looked like deliberately " long enough to stop the spurs player ability to have any chance of moving into a playable position opportunity.

Ok, the opportunity may have not been that great, however, assuming both the CR and Goal line official had a good view of the incident, what would have been their thinking to not award a DFK (Penalty) for the holding.

Of course, they may simply have missed it " and if so, we all know that happens. Been there etc..

As always, I ask the question to promote debate on incidents " not really to say 'i think it should be this or that', but to hear the panels thoughts, that can go into the knowledge bank reference folder somewhere between the ears.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Russell
I watched the game in real time and I saw the incident. My first reaction was one of uncertainty and on balance it would have been a very *soft* penalty had it been given.
There are times when contact is minimal, doubtful and the context is questionable and trifling. On balance in my opinion the correct decision was made not to award the penalty kick. Indeed there was little appeal from the players and play continued.