Question Number: 16977

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/29/2007

RE: competative Adult

ian tyer of deux-montagnes, quebec canada asks...

forward rounds the goalkeeper at the edge of the box on a breakaway,there is no other player near as he gets to one foot from the goal line he gets down on the ground and heads the ball over the line.
what is the correct call from the referee

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Ian, for what purpose is going to ground to roll an obvious goal other than to show boat or dis the opposition?
My decision could be to, Stop play as soon as he does it or pull back the goal, caution show yellow card for USB, INDFK out subject to the special circumstances of law 8. Rip the back of the net, clowning might be fun but it flies in the face of fair play. Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

My conclusion is the same as Ref Dawson's. This is unsporting behavior, pure and simple. It's only intent is to embarass the other team, and is both unnecessary and unsporting. No goal, restart is indirect free kick to defending team for the misconduct of the attacker prior to the goal. Perhaps next time, the player will choose to score first, and then share his joy with his teammates in a more appropriate, sporting fashion, after.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Here is the time for the referee to send a message, this Game is not all about belittling your opponent. The referee should whistle hard, long and loud, point a free kick comming out, signal indirect, take out his book and call Mr. whatever over and take his name.

He will note the time and USB in his notebook as well as his number and tell him he just took a goal away from his side. The referee will tell him he is being cautioned for unsporting behaviour and that upon repetition he WILL be sent-off. The referee will return the note book to his pocket. Out comes yellow card

The referee will step back a couple of steps whilst raising the card above his head then blow for the restart and raise his arm indicating indirect again.

A wise defender will instantly put the ball into play and leave this forward offside, just cautioned and standing there in shame.

Regards,