Question Number: 15241

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/22/2007

RE: Select Under 13

Sedat Gokcen of Columbus, Ohio USA asks...

Hi,
Today in a game ball was kicked and hit the defending players hand. The touch was not intentional in other words ball hit the hand. However, the ref gave a penalty kick. It was agreed that it was not intentional but the ref said rules states that it is an automatic penalty. I thought it should not been called or it should have been indirect kick. What is the correct call? 1) No call 2) penalty kick 3) Indirect free kick?

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

If the player did not handle the ball DELIBERATLY, should not have been called. The referee must make this decision and decide if the player handled the ball deliberatly or if it was just an accident. In your opinion it was an accident, but the referee may have had a different opinion.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

1. Absolutely NO WAY this is an indirect free kick. Either it's deliberately handling the ball which is a direct or penalty kick foul, or it's no foul. 2. There is no such thing as an "automatic" penalty kick. If this is what the referee said, he either chose the wrong words or is mistaken, 3. If the referee agreed the handling was not deliberate than there should be no foul and no whistle. Play should have continued, 4. All that said, the referee's decision is final.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The referee just has no clue. He probably wonders howcum he gets yelled at every match. This time he deserved it.

Regards,