Question Number: 32426

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/6/2018

Alex of Holtsville, New york USA asks...

Is it legal for a player on the field to throw their shoe at the ball?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Alex,

Not legal, it is an act of USB and as an extension of the hand a DFK or PK for deliberate handling. It could be a caution for USB or a red card send off if it denied a goal.

If the shoe was directed at a player it becomes a STRIKE thus VC and a red card send off situation reducing the team a player. The restart could be a DFK or PK depending where the object COULD or did hit the player..
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Alex,
If by throwing 'at' the ball, you mean the shoe hits the ball, this is not permitted. Law 12 states that:

''hitting the ball with a thrown object (boot, shinguard, etc.) is an offence''

It also doesn't matter whether the player is a goalkeeper or not. According a recent law change, announced in IFAB circular 11:

''Throwing an object is a direct free-kick offence (not a handling offence) so a goalkeeper who throws an object and hits the ball/an opponent in their own penalty is sanctioned with a penalty kick and a caution (YC) or dismissal (RC).''

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Alex
No that is not legal and it is punished by the award of a direct free kick or a penalty kick.
The action will also be sanctioned with disciplinary action of at least a caution / yellow card for unsporting behaviour .