Question Number: 32333

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/25/2018

RE: coed REC Under 16

PLYSL of Tampa, Fl Usa asks...

A striker on breakaway has beaten all defenders and enters opponents box with control of the ball. Keeper (last man) comes out to smother the attack. Keeper dives in to attempt the save as striker gets the shot off just before keeper makes contact with striker. Keeper doesnt get the ball at all and i agree that it would be a foul by the keeper. However the shot attempt was made and missed wide. Does the foul result in a PK, or should the shot attempt negate the PK decision?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Coach,
If the keeper fouls the attacker BEFORE the ball is out of play, INSIDE the PA, then the miss does not matter, as it will be a PK restart. It is conceivable that a yellow card could be shown as it was a legit challenge attempt gone wrong. The PK allows us to cancel the DOGSO as the PK is that attempt. A red card for VC is still plausible as that is another safety type of tackle issue.
If the keeper fouls the attacker AFTER the ball is out of play, then the miss is a goal kick out restart, as it is no longer a foul but misconduct and our keeper could be shown a yellow or red card depending on the severity of the tackle NO DOGSO is possible here. It is also plausible that nothing will occur but a goal kick and perhaps a warning to be careful
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
As described the most likely decision is a foul and a penalty kick. As the foul happened while the ball was in the penalty area the referee could play a silent advantage and if a goal is scored the goal can be awarded. My experience of these is that when the focus is on the foul rather than the shot every chance the foul will be called.
There can be times where there is a coming together after a shot which may not be seen as a foul or called.
Once there is a genuine attempt to play the ball the penalty kick award negates the need for a DOGSO red card.
So for me as described the decision is a penalty kick and a caution as getting away the shot does not negate the foul. Look at it this way. At half way and an opponent is late with a challenge with the pass made as normal what is the decision of the referee. Call the foul or if a clear advantage which benefits the fouled against team allow play to continue. No advantage and it is pulled back immediately. On a caution it is less likely that advantage would or should be played.