Question Number: 33078

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/18/2019

RE: Professional

engin ataman of olympia, WA United States asks...

https://twitter.com/KupaEfendisi/status/1096468123341996032

simple question. i know it is not the best angles but referee is pretty close.

What do you think? Red or Yellow or no card?
Was no card in the field.

Thank you, as always, your opinions are appreciated.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Engin,
not going to comment against against a world class referee at arms length away from the other-side of the world in a slow motion armchair
Referee was RIGHT there!
Play a factor?
(1) in the attitude & character of the match where no Critical Incident was in evidence
No serious tension or ugliness up to that point .
It WAS a legitimate attempt to get TO the ball not GO through the player.
The studs out reach was not excessively late or directed into the player
The player was not known to be excessively dirty via reputation or in the lead up to this incident in the match.
I am ok for a DFK . Looks like everyone else was too.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Engin
I had one of those yesterday in my game and I gave a direct free kick only. The player who fouled hurt his foot kicking the opponent. Both had their boots up trying to win the ball in somewhat if a similar manner. The opponent just happened to get the ball first before the other.
So I see nothing untoward here meriting any card. I do not see a player here acting with disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, an opponent which is a reckless challenge.
Perhaps a caution could be awarded for persistent infringement or stopping a promising attack. That does not look like that possibility here and on the basis of the video only no card for me.