Question Number: 32686

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/4/2018

RE: Pro Adult

Zach of Istanbul, Turkey asks...

Can you please comment if there is a penalty violation or not?
Thank you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pnn5sEfs6xg

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Zach
On review using technology this for me is not a penalty. The goalkeeper does not get the ball yet the attacker anticipates contact and goes down easily. It looks like he was on his way down as the GK arrives at the ball
At speed this will look like a foul as the GK comes into the attackers space / direction of run, makes what looks like no contact on the ball and then the player goes down.
It was for situations like this that Video Assistant Referee technology was introduced. On review I would say no penalty.
I would also make the point that without VAR referees get one chance to view the incident from one particular vantage point and to form an opinion. I had the luxury of several views, slow motion and different camera angles.
In addition referees have to weigh up the potential for being deceived which can be difficult when players are in close proximity. On balance this would have looked liked a penalty kick and giving it would have been as expected rather than not giving it.
I gave two decisions in a recent game which I believed were correct based on what I saw. If video was available I may have been proved *wrong*. Both were given based on my opinion, my particular view at that given moment and in good faith.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Zach ,
if there was a VAR review it is likely that call would be overturned. The last angle of view gives us the basis for me thinking this. I can see where the trailing CR could see the touch away of the ball by the attacker and the keeper in near at his feet as a conceivable looking trip with no ball contact. I watch carefully see no grab of the open palms of the keeper. It is obvious to me the attacker is looking for this and his holding his shin in supposed pain is pure BS. This was a dive should be an INDFK out with a caution to the attacker. But then slow motion couch refereeing does not suit a real time match lol
Cheers