Question Number: 34114

Law 8 - The Start and Restart of Play 1/27/2021

RE: Other

Martin Wheatley of Manchester, County (optional) United Kingdom asks...

Multi ball play. A goalkeeper runs towards his own corner flag to intercept a ball played down the line. He gets there before the forward and hits the ball up field and up into the stand. Meanwhile a follow up attacker immediately picks up a multi ball and throws it to a teammate who kicks it into an open net whilst the goalie is attempting to get back. Does the goal stand? Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Martin,
in a match where there are provisional regulation balls assigned by the CR as suitable for replacement during the match the goal is good as long as the throw-in was performed correctly from the correct spot. There are no offside restrictions on the initial throw. The reasoning for multi balls is to create the flowing play reducing wait time as clock is not stopped. Check this beauty out! It is not exactly what you describe but lol https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1x4t2c
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Martin,

This is just good attacking. There's no requirement for any player to be 'in position and ready' for a restart - I don't see it as being any different to a quick restart when the defence is outnumbered.

The defensive team have the responsibility to ensure the goal is covered - if the keeper had to run to the corner, then the defence have the job of ensuring the goal and attacking players remain covered.

If they are unable to do this, then why shouldn't the attacking team be able to take advantage of that?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Martin
As long as the throw in is taken from the correct location and with a ball approved for play the goal is good. As your question states a multiball scenario then the ball was approved for play abd a quick throw in is allowed.
This used to be answered in the old FIFA Questions and Answered provided as part of the Laws of the Game and I quote same

** During a match, the goalkeeper sprints from the goal to stop an opponent. He kicks the ball out of the field of play and a throw-in is awarded to the opposing team. The momentum of the goalkeeper takes him off the field of play and before he can return, the throw-in is taken and a goal is scored. What action, if any, should the referee take?
A goal is awarded since no offence has been committed.**
Now there will be other times when it is required that a team must have a goalkeeper to restart play such at a kick off, after an injury, the goalkeeper is off the FOP with the referees permission. Normal momentum or playing action of players including goalkeepers though is not one of those situations so quick thinking and play by the opponents is allowed.