Question Number: 27584

Law 5 - The Referee 7/8/2013

RE: Adult

Bongani Brighton Mkandla of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe asks...

Can a ref reverse a penalty decision he awards after consulting his lines man who had signaled for an offside?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Bongani
Yes a referee can reverse a decision based on information for an assistant referee provided play has not restarted. As the offside offence happened, I assume before the penalty kick award, that takes precedence so the correct decision is to restart play with an indirect free kick for offside.

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Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Bongani,

As long as play has not restarted (that as, as long as the penalty kick has not been taken), the referee can change his decision. If the offside infringement was first, then the referee should go with the offside.

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Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

As long as play has not been restarted the referee may change his decision

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