Question Number: 30255

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/5/2016

RE: Competitive Under 13

Mork of Madison Heights, MI United States asks...

What happens if a penalty is committed in the box as a goal is being scored? Example: Player on a breakaway launches a ball that heads into the net. A split-second later the defender slide tackles from behind, clearly after the strike. Nothing? Penalty kick? Red card with no PK?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
The referee plays advantage and the goal is awarded. The referee can then if he deems it necessary to take disciplinary action against the player for the late challenge either a caution for a reckless challenge or a dismissal for serious foul play. He might also decide that it is a coming together that the scorer ignored in his delight of scoring and he could simply ignore like the scorer or have a word with the player

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Mark,
If the goal is being scored then the advantage law dictates that the goal is awarded, and if the offence is severe enough the player is cautioned or sent off - bear in mind that a red card for Denying an Obvious Goalscoring Opportunity is not applicable.
If the ball doesn't go in the goal then the referee needs to consider whether this late tackle is a foul or not. Sometimes these aren't fouls - the truth is, referees often allow a little bit of leeway for a desperate challenge here, even though that may not be in line with the laws. If so a penalty kick and possibly a card will be awarded.
If the ball has gone out before contact has been made, then a penalty cannot be awarded - the restart is still a goal kick or corner kick.
Awkward situations can arise when a foul occurs, the referee blows his whistle and a moment later the ball goes in the goal anyway. In these cases, even if the whistle had no effect on play, the whistle means play is stopped so the goal cannot be awarded - the referee most go to the penalty kick instead.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Mork,
often players get a decent whack just after taking a shot that scores or goes out if play and, in my opinion, far to often the culprit responsible seems to be let off too easily. It is like we consider a bit of pain for scoring is part of the play as we apply advantage or a ball that is out of play somehow negates a late tackle from being upgraded to reckless or occasionally excessive as there is restart pending. The fact there is a restart already decided does not mean these late contacts are not misconduct and are in fact cardable!
Cheers