Question Number: 32118

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 12/19/2017

RE: None Adult

Graham R of London, United Kingdom asks...

If a defending player dives in his own box, should a penalty be awarded to the attacking team?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Graham
No. That is not possible as it is not allowed for under the Laws of the Game. If a player is cautioned for simulation the restart is an indirect free kick from where the offence took place not matter who commits it.
Simulation by defending players is quite rare although it does happen from time to time

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Graham,
No it should not. Simulation is not a direct free kick offence. Assuming the referee stops play to deal with it, it would lead to an indirect free kick after the player is cautioned.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Graham,
Penalty kicks are only awarded for fouls that would result in a direct free kick anywhere else. If you watch the ref next time play is stopped to caution a player for simulation, you'll see he indicates an indirect free kick (arm raised straight up when the kick is taken). Indirect free kicks remain indirect no matter where on the field they are. So, assuming the simulation is the reason play is stopped, it should be restarted with an indirect free kick.

However, sometimes simulation occurs by a player initiation contact - eg the diving player drags the leg over another player to take a dive. For instances like that, given there is contact some referees may consider that to be a direct free kick offence (eg that the 'dragging' leg may constitute kicking an opponent).