Question Number: 32526

Law 5 - The Referee 6/19/2018

RE: pensioner with good eyesight Adult

Mike Macey of Hong Kong, Kowloon China asks...

Did anyone notice that in the 84th minute in the Columbia v Japan game, what was the mistake ??


Answer, the ball hit the linesman and went back into play, but the game was stopped for throw, is that a correct decision, I understand, the ball hitting an official is the same as goal post/corner flag, what is the correct answer please ?

Thanks, Mike

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mike
It was not a mistake. The AR is off the field of play so when the ball hit him it was over the touchline out of play so the only possible outcome is a throw in restart.
If the ball makes contact with the referee during play it does not stop the game as it is not out of play.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Here the whole ball crossed the touchline and then it was out of play. This is why it is important for the AR to stay off the field. If he is on field and it hits him, then its play on.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Mike,
the 5 inch touchline boundary requires ALL of the ball to be completely outside the FOP so there is no overlap
.The AR is suppose to remain far enough away to allow the ball
to exit without it rebounding back into active play as like the CR, the AR is ALSO considered as part of the FOP! In this case the CR opined the ball HAD gone out completely prior to it deflecting back in. As such the throw I is the correct restart.
Cheers