Question Number: 33216

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/4/2019

RE: Youth to adult, comp and rec.

Barry Stewart of Chilliwack, BC Canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 33207

A few years back, our defender was on the goal line, between the posts when a low shot came in.

Somehow, he landed on his butt just as the shot arrived, lodging firmly between his upper thighs.

In a panic, I imagine he didn't want to get called for playing in a dangerous manner, so he immediately stood up to release the ball -- at which time, the attackers promptly scored.

The keeper might have been able to cover him up, if he had waited a second or two, which would have been legal. Correct?

The other option, better than a sure goal, would be to simply sit there and cause an indirect free kick from the 6 yard line. Correct?

Thanks again!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Barry
Yes both solutions were viable. The least contentious is the goalkeeper solution of diving on the ball. A team mate will have no issue with that. Players always take a dim view of the PIADM decision and certainly so in the goal area.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Barry,
If the goalkeeper had been able to take control/possession of the ball from beneath their team mate that of course would be fine - I'm not sure what you mean by ''cover[ing] him up.'' If the player had remained on top of the ball for a long enough period AND it prevented an opponent from playing the ball for fear of injury then a referee would be entitled to give an indirect free kick for playing in a dangerous manner. In my opinion, the best thing for a defender to do in this situation (and what they usually do in my experience) is to shift their body away from the ball slightly and attempt to play the it away while still on the ground.