Question Number: 35643

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/7/2024

Crebs Crem of Zagreb, Croatia asks...

Hello,

I have a question regarding the goalkeeper.

A goalkeeper stops the ball in his/her hands. When stepping forward, he/she looses his/her balance and accidentally makes contact with another player?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
Referees do not judge intent yet rather what actually happens so a goalkeeper who saves the ball and then makes heavy contact on an opponent even accidentally that would typically be called as an offence can be penalised.

It could be considered a careless foul so no further action is required. Careless is when a player shows a lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or acts without precaution. No disciplinary sanction is needed

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Crebs,
accidental contact can occur and be seen as Play continue, nothing really there!
Trifling or doubtful, iffy at best so continue play, word of warning perhaps. If an injury occurs that might create a DB if either of the two reasons above are in effect.

A keeper can jump headfirst into the feet of an opponent, gather up the ball thus possession or simply defect the ball out and away and then the opponent goes flying on by! Possibly each trying to avoid the other or unfortunately be UNABLE to stop their own momentum or avoid the others' momentum.

We judge actions not intent, we apply reasonable logic to circumstances, timing etc. So a careless foul is possible for non avoidance of contact If say the save/challenge is designed to go though the player, the keeper could be cautioned or even red carded and sent off depending on the way it occurred and force use.

The opponents' action are also investigated in did they try to avoid the keeper or could they have and sadly just, lets just see what happens if we steam roll this situation? So a careless foul is possible for non avoidance of contact. If say the save/challenge is designed to go though the keeper, the opponent could be cautioned or even red card depending on the way it occurred and force use.
Cheers