Question Number: 25603

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 10/14/2011

RE: International Under 19

Graeme Watson of Doire, Northern Ireland asks...

Why was Lampards goal not allowed in the world cup?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Because the referee didn't see the ball completely across the goal line, under the crossbar and between the uprights. It was proven by video evidence that the ball was across the line, but by that time it was too late. The referee did not officiate at any further matches in the World Cup.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Graeme
The Laws of the Game do not allow for the use of technology in determining match decisions. In this case due to the position of the referee and his assistant neither of them saw the ball clearly cross the goal line so a goal could not be awarded. The Assistant referee was positioned to view offside around the 18 yard line and the referee was positioned further back.
With the benefit of action replay and freeze frame it was clearly shown to the viewing public that the ball did in fact cross the goal line yet that was not available to the referee team during the match. If they did not see it they can't give it although they know that it will be scrutinised by the media. FIFA, UEFA and others have constantly objected to the use of video technology and that is still the case today.
I had a similar situation this week as an AR and I believed the ball did not cross the line. The decision was simply accepted and play continued. If it was at the highest level the decision would have been examined using video technology. I'm not sure what that would have shown and an AR always hopes that it concurs with his call.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

The arbiter of the contest, the referee, with the help of the assistant referee, is the only one currently with the authority to decide yea or nay on whether a goal is scored. If the referee or the assistant are not in a position to tell for sure whether the whole ball crossed the back of the goal line under the crossbar and between the goal posts, a goal may not be awarded. We can't award a goal because we think it might have gone in - we have to know it for a fact. Until FIFA comes up with some kind of video review or goal line technology which is allowed, there is nothing else that can be done to fix situations like what happened to Lampard. The referee and the assistant were in position regarding what was happening in play, but had the bad luck not to be positioned to definitively say a goal was scored. You win some, you lose some.