Question Number: 35733

Mechanics 10/2/2024

Crebs Crem of Zagreb, Croatia asks...

Hello,

In a game where VAR exists, player A4 commits a serious foul on player B9 when B9 is one on one with the goalkeeper. However, there was a foul by player B5 on player A10 in the attacking phase of play. In this case, should VAR intervene and let the CR watch the foul of player B5 on player A10?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Crebs
Yes VAR will advise the referee that there was a foul by B5 on A 10 in the build up prior to the offence by A4. It will require an on-field review and if the referee believes that there was an offence by B5 that will be the restart.

The referee can still take disciplinary action against A4 for a reckless challenge or indeed if it is serious foul play A4 can still be dismissed.
The restart though is still a free kick to the A team.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Crebs,
the foul in the lead up occurred first and as such takes precedent. Team A gets the restart for the foul by B5.
VAR is to be used to get the call correct as it was missed, not change a decision already made.
The fact no goal can be scored as the team doing so has violated the LOTG ahead of doing so, there is no DOGSO, however, the force used on the 2nd incident, while not a foul, it is misconduct, & could still be deemed as reckless which is cautionable show a yellow card or even excessive and VC show red, send off, reduce the team by a player.
Cheers