Question Number: 32655

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/19/2018

RE: Rec Adult

Russell of Sydneu, Australia asks...

Foul recognition.

Would like to read the panels thoughts on two challenges in the very early stages of the recent Cardiff v Newcastle EPL match.

In the following clip, we pick up play where a challenge comes in from Arter of Cardiff that draws a blank from the CR (at the 1.18 mark of the match time). Play progresses upfield where Newcastle defender Lascelles is pulled up for a foul on the Cardiff attacker.

https://ok.ru/video/980868336230?fromTime=79

I totally understand that a small bump can often create a foul more then contact that maybe many times more powerful, however, please talk me through the differences of both these challenges.

Why the first was not considered a foul, and the second was (I probably don't need explanation on the second as that appeares to be clear).

I'd guess that many grassroots Ref's would call a foul on the first.
The fact that the Newcastle player almost did cartwheels from the challenge, may not be a good enough reason as we all know, if someone is hit even reasonable softly, they can be sent reeling if hit at just the right moment in their balance. Is that the case here.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Russell
I would say that the referee saw it as a legal charge of side to side on a player off balance or that it was two players coming together at the same moment with one coming off worse in the contact.
On the second one the Newcastle player goes into the back of the opponents which is not a legal charge.
I agree that at lower levels referee would more than likely give the first foul as well.
Now while we can learn some from the Pro game it is not advisable to base decision making or foul recognition on that level of game. The Pro game many times allows a greater degree of physicality and the players are more skilled in executing certain challenges. I
watched Manchester City v Huddersfield and there was a challenge in there which a player lunged, clearly played the ball and then collected the opponent in the follow through. The referee gave a throw in. Now I thought to myself that in the grass roots game it was certainly careless and a foul. Poorly executed and it is a stonewall caution to boot if not more.
So somewhat like the challenge in the Newcastle game at one level it can be acceptable while lower down the ranks it is not.
I believe referees must have the courage to call what they believe is a foul. I would say you boulder have given the Newcastle one and I would gave no problem with that. Might be a few moans yet as long as the referee is consistent there is no problem.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Russell
the referee was CLOSE, he was at a good angle, he saw the white players touch as poor, the inside leg was raised and spread out to reach out into the air to try and regain control of the bouncing ball.
The incoming player broadsides him in on a side shoulder challenge that I see as ok given he did not run over the player he simply knocked him off his feet due to the fact the opponent was already off balanced and the lunge to reach out for the ball left him open to go down awkwardly rather be able to brace for the impact.. Note no outcry and the words muscled off the ball seem appropriate.
Foul recognition is as much art as science with a gut instinct and as I point out your decisions in your matches gain you your reputation.
As you say the 2nd one a tad easier given the direction of attack. Cheers