Question Number: 16223

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/5/2007

RE: comp Adult

ELVIS CETOUTE of christ church, barbados asks...

my team had a free kick, the opposing team set up a wall ,i stood behind the wall in the line of site of the goalie with a defender marking me and i got a caution , is that right?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Elvis,
Well the referee in your match showed you a yellow card and cautioned you correct? What did he say or did he say anything when he showed you the card?

As you describe the situation I remain puzzled as to the reason? I can only assume??

While offside could factor in depending on the whereabouts of the second last defender. You are entitled to stand on the pitch where you wish but the USB misconduct of shadowing the keeper by trying to interfere as in obstructing his view, some referees will ask you not to +dog+ his steps or block his view but take a set position that does not in fact impede him which is the indfk offence you could be found guilty of once play restarts

Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Who knows if that is right except maybe the referee in your game? You don't give us many details from which to make an armchair judgment. Generally speaking, standing behind a wall in the line of sight of the goalkeeper isn't by itself grounds for a caution, although it could put you in an offside position which would be a shame if the ball goes in the goal and your position is determined to have interfered with the goalkeeper and thus no goal. Tsk. Nope. I suspect there was some pushing and shoving going on, or smack talking between you and your defender that created the situation for the caution to be given, or perhaps you dissented when the referee gave you a direction? Or did you interfere with the defenders in the wall? So many possibilities, my friend. It is rare when a player really doesn't know why they are cautioned. They always know what they did - or didn't do, but are occasionally surprised the act was capable of earning a caution.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Without seeing it, I cannot form an opinion. I do hope that there is more that you are not telling us. You must have done more than just take a position behind the wall...to get a caution. Perhaps the referee in that match was inexperienced. Who knows!