Question Number: 20319

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 10/20/2008

RE: Adult

Carl Malone of dublin, Dublin ireland asks...

If during play a plyer takes a shot going wide and a supporter runs on the pitch and strikes it in ,does the goal count?????

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

NEVER EVER! A drop ball and better hope security is there quick to prevent a rendering of limb from limb. Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Only in certain games which then haunt YouTube forever as a "don't do this at home" example.

Referees truly hate when the only person in the stadium that didn't see what happened is the referee.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

No!!

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Heavens, NO! Law 10 says a goal is scored when it goes between the posts and under the crossbar provided there is no infringement of the Laws being committed previously by the TEAM scoring the goal.

Since there are only two teams out there, with each team being made up of players, it follows that the only ones who can score goals are players - NOT spectators, substitutes, dogs, ducks or any other creature who wanders onto the field to knock the ball in.

Unfortunately, when there is outside interference such as this, the only possible restart is a dropped ball from the place where the spectator touched the ball last, unless it was in the goal area, and then we move it to the closest spot on the top of the goal area line.
Tsk.

I do hope the goal was not counted - that would be grounds for revoking a referee's certification! (kidding - but they clearly need more training).