Question Number: 33632

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/8/2019

RE: Red Adult

Russell of Sydney, Australia asks...

These can be a difficult to get right.

The challenge on Neymar at the backend of these highlights.

https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/neymar-scores-on-brazil-return-in-entertaining-colombia-draw

Just a 'coming together' or otherwise.

Often, just what can happen in a contact sport.
Often, a foul.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Russel
The clear charge/push into the back sending Neymer towards the signage at the end of the match was a PK. I would have called it 100% . His match his decision his reputation.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zkeo1wfAVs

9:16

Cheers <

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Russell
The video link does not seem to work which may be a location restriction.
Anyway for what it is worth I watched extended highlights of the game and the referee for me called most contact even slight ones as fouls. So for me throughout the game he was anxious not to allow a physical game to develop. He was also quick to card when required. The only call that I saw that was questionable was on the goal line late on when Neymar slid into the advertising board after contact by a defender.
Now these are rarely given as offences as usually they are penalty calls. Over the years I have seen countless illegal shielding which ends up as pushing or holding not given in these goal line tussles. At this level it has almost become understood that this type of contact is not going to be given as an offence.