Question Number: 32659

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/20/2018

RE: Adult

Ken of aberdeen, Scotland asks...

Is it still against the rules for a goalkeeper to scratch a line with his boot halfway between the posts so he knows he is in the middle when his back is to the goal?
I noticed the new chelsea keeper has done it for both games.
I was booked for this many years ago.
Thanks and regards.
Ken

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Ken
Yes it is still illegal and a caution for unsporting behaviour.
I had a look at the video of the game and I see no evidence of an illegal mark at either end. I can see mower lines made by the ground staff by cutting the grass both across and up / down the field. As a result there is a mower line the centre of the goal in line with the penalty mark the full length of the field which was not made by the goalkeeper.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI ken,
technically yes no other marking other than the LOTG permited on the FOP.

As long as it was not trench mark of obvious effort easily id as such, a depression is not likely to catch our eye but dig to China and uproot dirt into a pile with a sizable hole a bit different try that on artificial grass . I think the grass cuts help a lot as in this case! I recently saw the PA spot being dug up by the defenders during a disputed PK situation which is the same cautionable action for USB and should be dealt with as such ..
Cheer

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Ken,
A player is still not allowed to make unauthorised marks on the field of play and the sanction for it is still a caution. I have not gone back to look at the video myself but I did watch the game in real time and I also do not recall seeing any illegal marking.

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

See Question: 32662