Question Number: 35374

Law 15 - The Throw In 3/10/2024

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

Hello,

one more throw-in question please.

Law 15:

1.'If the throw-in is not taken correctly, it is retaken by the opposing team.'

2. 'An opponent who unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower (including moving
closer than 2m (2yds) to the place where the throw-in is to be taken) is cautioned for unsporting behaviour, and if the throw-in has been taken, an indirect free kick is awarded.'

How do you restart when point 1 and point 2 occur at the same time?

Thank you very much!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Petr
I would focus on the unfair distraction and impeding as that had to happen first.
In addition that will be seen as the more obvious of the two offences and that is where the focus will be.

In many situations a referee should ask what is expected in the decision and what does it look like. Is anyone going to focus on a foot fault at a throw in say when an opponent is guilty of an offence that requires a caution.

While they may not be simultaneous offences the law requires that a referee punishes the more serious offence, in terms of sanction, restart, physical severity and tactical impact, when more than one offence occurs at the same time.
So for me the cautionable offence is the one to deal with.

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