Question Number: 35373

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/10/2024

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

Hello,

one short question please.

IFAB says: 'Playing in a dangerous manner is penalised with:
- an indirect free kick – if there is no contact with an opponent
- a direct free kick/penalty kick – if there is contact (no matter how small)'

Situation: The player cuts with scissors near the opponent's head without contact. At the same time, he touches the opponent with his hand (this hand contact is not a foul).

Is it contact with the opponent or not? IDFK or DFK?

More specifically, do I just focus on scissors or do I look for any contact between players?

Thank you very much!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Petr
When there is contact in the challenge my advice is to go with the direct free kick. The IDFK is only for PIADM offences where there is no contact and seen to be no contact.

In situations where the contact is doubtful or trifling then obviously go with the IDFK as that will be the offence that is called.

The test I put to referees is whether the offence merits a penalty kick if it happened inside the penalty area.
In your situation the restart would be the IDFK as the arm brush would not elevate it to a penal foul.
The same manner of offence with a boot to the upper body will clearly require a direct free kick / penalty.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Petr,

It's important for referees to understand the intent of the law. When it's talking about 'contact', what's important is the contact that relates to the foul itself. I wouldn't worry about some irelevant contact from the arm brushing the player, when the action of concern is the feet near the head. That's still an IFK for me.

I think you're referring to a bicycle kick - a a scissors is a step-over move.

There are other ways in which PIADM can occur without a high foot. A low head, down to leg height, in traffic, is PIADM against that player. Falling on the ball then not getting up or keeping the ball trapped between/under your legs is also PIADM as other players cannot challenge it safely.

If that player on the ground 'stabs at' the ball with their feet, studs first, into the path of oopponents, that could be PIADM.

Some areas have a low tolerance for studs-up slide tackles and may consider those PIADM. Some areas have moved to largely allowing those (not counting ones that actually contact the player, of course).