Question Number: 32474

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/26/2018

RE: Select Under 19

Keith of Las Vegas, NV USA asks...

https://youtu.be/t7vw0H6JGPU
Though the Liverpool GK made a blunder to even risk this event, I would have called a foul and awarded IFK because the Real Madrid forward was already attempting to kick the ball while the GK still had possession and was trying to release it. Where is the fine line in determining when the ball can be challenged upon release? I know similar discussions arise during a normal free kick when defenders are still within 10 yds (but moving back) and raise a leg during a quick kick.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Keith,

I get where you are coming from but there is no 10 yards on the interfering with the keeper. You just can not prevent him releasing the ball. If anything the keeper tried to fire the ball right at his feet . I did consider whether there was justification for an INDFK of interfering with release by Karim Benzema . The keeper Loris Karius stepped right up into Benzema path and threw the ball. Benzema reacted by sticking his leg out as the ball was released but it did not prevent or interfere with the release he simply was reacting to the proximity of the ball itself?

Truthfully I was utterly befuddled at what the keeper was thinking. While Benzema can not TRY to interfere with the release, the attacker is not obligated to move out of the way given his own movements to stop or change direction take a moment or two. I would hold him responsible should he move deliberately into the way by shadowing the keeper but in effect here it was Loris Karius who moved in tight to the attacker.. There was no video review.
I am ok with awarding the goal. The first of Two hideous mistakes by Loris Karius, it was it was bad day to have a poor performance.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

This is a clear foul by the attacker for me. The attacker is running off to the side, sees the keeper is planning on releasing the ball in that direction so sticks his foot out as the ball is being released. Now, had he not stuck the foot out and the keeper threw it to him I'd probably be putting this back on the keeper - I don't think his intention in running in that space was to block the keeper. But given the foot was stuck out as the ball's being released, that changes things.

Preventing the keeper from releasing the ball is an offence. If a player, 1-2 yards away, has stuck out a foot to block the path of the release then that seems like a pretty clear case of preventing the release of the ball. If attackers are allowed to do this, then presumably that means attackers can run in front of keepers and jump right in front of them to block a kick. We all know that's not allowed - because allowing the keeper to release the ball means allowing the reasonable opportunity for the ball to re-enter general play. It isn't just about the moment the ball leaves his hands - the intent of the law is to permit the keeper to be returning the ball to the field. The attacker took actions to block this from occurring.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Keith
This has been asked on question 32473 and the incident has caused some debate on other sites as well.
At the outset there is no 10 yard rule in this matter just whether the goalkeeper has been prevented from releasing the ball or not.
I believe that the way play unfolded there was no interference by Benzema on the goalkeeper and in fact he never got closer that 2/3 yards. He simply anticipates the direction of the throw with the ball clearly released and it hits his leg. His boot did not even have to be high as it was a low throw
Note as well the lack of reaction from any Liverpool players with perhaps a lame shout from the GK and Henderson, not that it makes any difference. They know the GK made a rickets of it rather than being fouled.
A free kick here would have rewarded a clear player mistake rather than any clear infringement of the Laws.
This is what US soccer has to say
** A goalkeeper is considered to be in the process of 'releasing the ball'from the first moment when he or she has clearly taken hand control of the ball until the moment when the ball has been clearly released into play. **
The ball was released into play when it hit Benzema. That was the Referee Matics call on the FOP and while I can see some other points of view at worst for me it is doubtful.
As my colleague Referee Dawson says your game, your decision your reputation. I doubt if it in any way damaged the reputation of Referee Zmatic by awarding the goal. He had an excellent game IMHO and any person I spoke to including zliverpool supporters had no concerns about the goal, rather the poor decision and execution if the throw by the GK.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 32475