Question Number: 33256

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/17/2019

Petr of Prague, Czech Republic Czech Republic asks...

Hello,

I have one question about 'two fouls next to each other' please.

For example, this scenario: Defender fouls the attacker. The attacker does not fall immediately. He moves on. Then a second defender fouls him again.

Where is the restart? Does it take into account what is more advantageous for the attacker?

Thank you very much!

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Petr,
In this situation, assuming the referee had not already blown for the first foul, they could definitely (and should, in my opinion) apply the advantage clause and award the free kick in the location that gives the best advantage to the attacker.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Petr,

You essentially consider advantage here - even though you haven't called advantage, doesn't mean you can't apply it.

Say the first foul is outside the PA and the 2nd foul is inside, and it's an attacker being fouled. In this instance, you should award the PK for the 2nd foul. This is applying the same principle as holding - where if holding starts outside the PA and continues inside, you award a PK.

There might be instances where you're better off going with the first foul....for instance, it could be outside the PA, you might be waiting to see if there's advantage but the 2nd foul is much closer to the goal line than the first. You'll probably go back to the first foul there as it's a much better angle on goal.

The only thing to be aware of is whether the 2nd 'foul' is actually a foul. If, for instance, the player is still off balance when he is 'fouled' again, it might be that the contact that finally knocked him over wasn't actually a foul. That's uncommon, but I have had it happen once or twice (and in the exact scenario where the first was outside the PA and the 2nd was in)

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Petr
Thanks for the question.
Yes the restart should be the one that is more advantageous to the fouled against team. Generally the second foul location can be more advantageous such as where the first foul is outside the penalty area while the second foul is inside. Clearly a penalty kick is the restart.
If on the other hand a foul is in the corner of the penalty area and the second foul is further away from goal in the corner direction the referee can opine that there was no advantage and cone back to the first foul location.
Many referees use the principle of a silent advantage by a wait and see approach. If a player is fouled wants to keep going and then fouled again inside the area it is always best if the referee just waits a few seconds as the decision then can be the more advantageous one rather than blowing for the first foul which may injure the wrath of the attacking team.
Advantage can take the form of a better restart location or for that matter perhaps a goal or very good goal scoring opportunity.