Question Number: 32662

Law 1- The Field 8/21/2018

RE: fan Adult

kenneth blair of aberdeen, Scotland asks...

This question is a follow up to question 32659

well guys sorry you all missed it but Kepa when walking to his goal before the coin toss you can see him drag his foot outside the 18yrd box in the middle he continues to the goal line puts his back to the goal looks left and right makes sure he is in the middle then scratches min 3 times then the camera moves away, I saw it I have it on video, so if there is some way I can send the short clip please let me know.

I saw him do it but its difficult to see anything during the match.

Thanks
Ken

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Kenneth
Our opinions were based on the video pictures of the ground. The match video does not show any obvious damage to mark the ground.
If that was seen by the officials then it should have been a caution and an IDFK.
I would also say that the groundsman would be none too happy with that either. Many do not like goalkeepers damaging the grass surface with many clubs insisting that temporary goals are used for the warm up and to the side and off the penalty area.
If he gets a reputation for doing it referees will be keeping a eye out for it in the future!

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Ken,
As I said it IS a cautionable action and if the AR or CR missed it is possible if it WAS caught on video the FA could punish the action if they thought it a blatant missed USB. The grass grounds keepers would be likely to complain as well if it truly was noticeable.. I thought the defender/keeper tearing up the PA spot required a sanction on a match I had seen but nothing was done! So hard to say what the policy is in strict sense by review?
Cheers