Question Number: 35639

8/2/2024

RE: Adult

Peter of Melbourne, Victoria Australia asks...

This question is a follow up to question 35636

Question Number: 35636
Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/1/2024

Re: We have your answer at AskTheRef.com Q#:35636
Midas Touch
?
MrRef@AskTheRef.com
?
Thank you for your prompt reply.
I understand that a DB if the spectator (as an outside agent) was actually on the FOP at the time of the occurrence.
What if the spectator was off the field of play and the player was on the field of play?
Is it the same outcome? a DB to the opposition?
Thank you
Peter

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Peter,
the restart for outside interference is a DB . If the spitter was on the FOP or if the player exited the FOP to spit, it is also an indfk from the point he exited to commit the VC . The DB is ONLY if a outside agent was on the FOP and affecting play for interference as that technically would STOP the play before the spit occurs. If the outside agent had already interfered and the whistle had sounded, -THEN -the spit occur it is even conceivable the team that had their player spit could receive the DB if they had ball possession at the time of the whistle . ONE key element in the LOTG if there is a restart already present ALL actions taken are misconduct only they do not affect the restart.

If the opposition was the target, during live play be it a player, substitute substituted player or technical crew the restart is a DFK or PK .
cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Peter
Thanks for the follow up.

In the scenario where a player stays on the field of play and spits at someone on the match card off the field of play the restart is a direct free kick from the boundary line where the offence took place.

This is line with Law 12 where in the case of violent conduct where an object has been thrown, if the position of the contact is off the field of play, the free kick is taken on the nearest point on the boundary line.

In the situation involving a spectator being on or off the field of play does not change the fact that the spectator is still an outside agent so it is a drópped ball from where the ball was located when play was stopped. A free kick cannot be awarded because this offence was not committed against someone on the team lists or a match official.
The DB restart is taken in line with Law 9 which might have an unfair outcome with the offenders team getting the ball.

In reality a referee may opine that the player may have been slightly off the field of play and restart with the IDFK on the boundary line. Very few if any is going to challenge an IDFK free kick on a boundary line after a red card is shown. It is probably the best start in the circumstances as most will expect a free kick against the offender unlike the situation where an outside agent has come on to the field to interfere with play and there is an altercation resulting in a card.