Question Number: 35065

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/15/2023

RE: Com Adult

frank Michael of Granton, Tasmania Australia asks...

PK required to be taken. On run up the kicker is heckled by defenders on the line outside the box.
Kick is taken and missed.
Is there any recall for the kick to be retaken and YC for defender/s or is it just play ON.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Frank.
USB There is potential for misconduct prior to the kick in that among the cautionable actions a player can be held accountable for verbal misuse of language directed to interfere unfairly with an opponent. I suppose to some extent half a stadium could be screaming miss, Miss! MISS! and the player is just going to have to bear down and concentrate. Unless there was some racial or bigoted nastiness involved I doubt the referee is concerned. I suppose if a player screamed just as the kick was about to commence after the whistle had sounded to begin active play something vulgar or distasteful. The referee could
consider a stoppage to deal with the incident and retake if the shot had missed It would have to be pretty blatant to all concerned or so one would think! A red card for a vile verbal assault as foul and abusive would also be considered. Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Frank,

If players are verbally putting the kicker off as they're taking the kick (including the runup) then this should be sanctioned with a YC to the offender, and a retake if the kick doesn't score. Just like if a player was shouting at an opponent during the game as they're about to receive the ball.


I might consider letting it slide if the comment is right at the start of the runup and they're taking another 10 steps to the ball, and the comment wasn't excessively or clearly offputting.

If the kicker stops their runup in response, then this gives a bit more freedom for the ref to verbally address it with the players concerned, reset and retake without a card.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Frank
A judgement call needs to be made by the referee. If the referee deems that the shouting has verbally distracted an opponent at a restart then it is a caution and as the defending team has offended during a penalty kick with no goal scored the restart is a retake. If the penalty kick is scored then the goal is awarded and the player can still be cautioned.

Now unfortunately sledging has become a feature of some games and a referee has to decide what action to take if any. For me if it is loud, aggressive and overtly unsporting with effect on the kick then action should be taken. If it is silly talk with little effect on play then no immediate action may be required other than a word at the next stoppage. Attention needs be paid to what effect the heckling is having on the game.