Question Number: 33232

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/10/2019

RE: Competitive Adult

Jak Ward of Derby, United Kingdom asks...

Could you please let me have your views on the correct decision in this scenario?

The ball goes out of play for a goal-kick. The goalkeeper goes to retrieve the ball to begin to start play. An altercation ensues with an attacking player from the opposition. The goalkeeper strikes (punches) the attacking player whilst the ball is dead, but both players are stood in the penalty area.

A red card must clearly been shown to the goalkeeper. In terms of re-starting play, does the referee award a penalty, or does play resume with a goal-kick?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jak
The ball is out of play so the restart does not change. It is misconduct only so it still a goal kick .
A free kick or a penalty kick can only be awarded while the ball is in play.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Jak,
when the ball is ALREADY out of play for which there is ALREADY a designated restart any confrontational or physical action between the players is ONLY viewed by the referee as a possible act of MISCONDUCT for which a yellow or red card COULD be shown. For a foul or PK the ball must still be in play!

Here in your scenario we have a goal kick restart to occur but actionable violent conduct inside the FOP within the penalty area has occurred in the interim. Thus the referee will DELAY the restart, he will show the red card and sends off the keeper, reducing that team by a player, requiring a new keeper out of the ten remaining or a substitute if available BEFORE we restart with the goal kick. with 10 versus 11.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Jak,
If the ball is already out of play, a penalty can not be given. The very first line of Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct, states that:

''Direct and indirect free kicks and penalty kicks can only be awarded for offences committed when the ball is in play.''