Question Number: 32475

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/28/2018

RE: Rec Under 17

Greg of Ventura, CA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 32474

The Law specifically states:
# prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from the hands OR KICKS OR ATTEMPTS TO KICK THE BALL WHEN THE GOALKEEPER IS IN THE PROCESS OF RELEASING IT.

How was that not kicking the ball while the goalkeeper was in the process of releasing it? What would he have to do to commit the offence? Try to kick it out of the goalkeepers hands?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Greg
Here are three videos on offences in this situation
https://youtu.be/3de7_wD8UWQ
https://youtu.be/iuVzcB8OFrM
https://youtu.be/ryPIcQP1mcM
In particular the third video where Van Persie Red kicks the ball that is about to be punted by the goalkeeper. Clear offence that is punished by an IDFK
In the Benzema situation the ball was clearly released and IMO it was seen as an interception. The release has happened and it was not prevented.
Have a look at this still shot
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/football/a-loris-karius-error-has-gifted-real-madrids-karim-benzema-with-the-first-goal/news-story/1c0b67a2e79a05035689268ed0c12bba
The ball has now travelled some 2/3 yards hit Benzema and is now goal bound. Does that look like a possible prevention of release? Not for me

Answer provided by Referee MrRef

Hi Greg,
this was discussed heavily and the answer is straightforward and clear, there is NO ambiguity .

The keeper released the ball and it was intercepted by the attacker .

You need to stop comparing an infringement that requires movement designed to hassle the keeper versus one that simply shows the awareness of the attacker.

This was a MISTAKE by the keeper in releasing the ball while an opponent was nearby . There is a slight similarity in a free kick where one taken quickly can be intercepted legally. The major difference is there is no ten yard minimum at work here. The keeper for whatever his reasoning chose to release the ball with an opponent nearby in a normal playing position. There was no targeting of the keeper or movement to intimidate or threaten his possession by the attacker.

The attacker is permitted to intercept a poorly played ball off a release or a free kick. He can not interfere until AFTER the ball is kicked / released. Those that incorrectly assume he MUST be interfering because he intercepted the ball need to rethink their position!

In what way did the attacker on the dead run, off to the side, moving very quickly, hinder the keeper who had uncontested possession of the ball from throwing it away? There was no time or secession of play to which we could PLAINLY see if the attacker was thwarting the keepers' desire to release the ball. The attacker was likely just as surprised as the rest of us.
Good goal no matter anyone's opinion!

from our pitch to your pitch in the spirit of fairplay