Question Number: 30417

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 5/16/2016

RE: Under 11

Steve hazeldine of Manchester, Lancashire United kingdom asks...

A player takes a corner kick which is swinging inwards but not on target to go in the goal.the goalkeeper tries to clear the ball but punches it into his own net.is this classed as an own goal by the goalkeeper?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Steve
It reads like it is an own goal. The definition of an own goal is that if the ball was not destined for the goal and the actions of the player causes the ball to enter the goal then that is an OG.
This is to quote the goal allocation panel in the UK which would be considered the same worldwide
*If the initial attempt is goalbound it is credited to the player making the goal attempt, however if the deflection means that a wayward effort results in a goal then it is attributed to the player who had the last definitive touch of the ball. *
Now who scores is of no concern to the referee. It only applies to leading scorer awards or in betting or fantasy football.

Answer provided by Referee James Sowa

Steve,

By your description, this would be an own goal as the ball was not headed into the goal on its own power. Unlucky for the keeper.