Question Number: 32523

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/18/2018

RE: Town Travel Team Under 18

Scott of North Andover, Ma US asks...

During play, there was a scramble in front of the net my team was defending. A player from the opposing team took a shot and it deflected off the chest of one of the defenders changing the direction of the show and elevating it. The ball went over the goalkeepers head heading toward the goal. Another defender ran behind the goalkeeper and jumped while running back in an attempt to head the ball. The players hand made contact with the ball preventing the goal. The result of the handling did keep the ball out of the net however, in the follow through by the opposing team, they put the ball in the net. There was a delay from the center referee as he discussed with the assistant referee. The referee then signaled goal and proceeded to issue a red card to my player. Had the referee blown the play dead and issued a penalty shot, there would be no question that the player is to be issued a red card. The referee explained that he is allowing play to continue even though he was going to blow the whistle for the PK but couldn't get the whistle to mouth fast enough. Because he is allowing play to continue and this is not an 'intent to injure' or 'malicious' foul, I as well as other referees watching this game (in a tournament) contend that the player should have, at most, been issued a yellow card and. Thoughts?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Scott
Referee has made a serious error in Law here. Once he allowed the goal it could NOT be a dismissal yet a caution for unsporting behaviour. It could only be a red card if the referee disallowed the goal and awarded a penalty kick.
A goal was not prevented so nothing was denied but rather an attempt to stop the ball which failed.
It is clearly spelt out in Law 12 and I quote
** handles the ball in an attempt to score a goal (whether or not the attempt is successful) or in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent a goal**

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Scott,
the referee has erred in LAW and the committee in charge of your league should rescind the red card accordingly! He can not allow the goal and send off for denying a goal, it is impossible! IT WAS a possibility many years ago as many felt the denial of the first shot WAS sufficient for a send off given it did stop a shot at the goal. The LAW has changed and thus referees from yester years need to get on board that if we apply advantage and a goal results there is no DOGSO! !
Cheers