Question Number: 20782

Law 13 - Free Kicks 1/31/2009

RE: Pro Professional

Sean Brophy of SLough, UK asks...

I was watching the premier league this weekend and James Milner had an indirect free kick in the box for of course a backpass picked up by the keeper. If James was to strike it (without it being touched to him) and hit a defender and scores does this class as a goal? or must one other team mate touch it. it is a debate i had with my father with both us believing we are correct.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Sean ,
ANY of the 21 other players make contact with the ball after Milner kicked it on is way into goal we have the needed second touch for a legitamate good goal. So the one who said either team gets a touch gets the blue ribbon!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Indirect means the ball must touch a second player before a goal may be scored. Here is what Law 13 says about indirect kicks and scoring a goal;

Ball Enters the Goal
A goal can be scored only if the ball subsequently touches another
player before it enters the goal:

Law 13 does NOT state the player must be a teammate. In your example, a legal goal would be scored

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

And always remember, goalkeepers are players too.