Question Number: 14902

Character, Attitude and Control 2/26/2007

Jon of London, uk asks...

This question is a follow up to question 14897

Hiya guys,been a busy couple of weeks so havn't been around for the occasional post. So just thought i would say something on this as its a situation that has infuriated me!!

All that needs to be asked is 'why should the team who committed an offense have any right to be ready' They have no right ever, and quite frankly what I watched from that French team was disgraceful. had the DFK missed a goal kick would have been awarded. Had the free kick hit the wall play on would have been shouted. This was an exceptional knowlege and understanding of the laws by MUFC and well applied by the officials. How Lille thought they could ever protest the legality of the goal shows a complete disrespect for the laws and worryingly a complete lack of understanding for them having sat down in the morning once all had calmed and still believed that that goal wasn't fair.

Something that is being forgotten is how exceptional the decision was from the CR...his positionaing was exemplary and he saw a tug of the shirt. Spot on. Also a very consistant official. Yes he blew a lot of contact in what i consider a contact sport (because it is) but throughout the whole game it was the same both ways. Any hands on the opponent he blew every time which for me qualifies the disallowing of the goal for Lille. If he gives minimal hand contact between a player, he must at all times give it throughout the game. Spot on and I don't think he has been given enough credit. People often complain about our incosistancy so its about time we got a tap on the back for cosistancy throughout the game. The referee is a match condition just like the wind...this official interpreted the law as he did and applied it consistantly and impecably. Well done sir!

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

True Jon,
as you can tell by our posts on the free kick matter we agree .
I also agree the official in that game was terrific!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Remember Jon, the referee is a match condition, what he allows or pulls you up for is part of the match that day. The sides either do what he sets as fair or lots of free kicks are given. That day Lile gave one free kick too many. Golly gee...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Jon. All this has shown is that even at the highest levels, players are woefully ignorant of the Laws of soccer. This wasn't even an interpretation. It's simply a fact that the keeper cannot call for play to be stopped as the Frenchman insisted he could.