Question Number: 33760

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/8/2019

RE: Competitive youth Under 19

Jason C. of La Crosse, WI USA asks...

I've seen a number of cautions for handling lately similar to this one - https://youtu.be/vxJQ-wMlgXQ?t=142.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zPEUANxbBw
I'm assuming this is for 'handling the ball to interfere with or stop a promising attack.' Am I wrong about this? Don't pretty much all handling offences by the defense in the area stop a promising attack? I've always thought this rule was the handling version of the tactical foul rule, ie there needs to be some level of cynicism/tactics involved. Committing a handling offense in one's own penalty area is obviously not an effective tactic.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jason
I believe the referee has used the unsporting behaviour caution of
** handles the ball to interfere with or stop a promising attack**
Did he need to caution here when a penalty was awarded? The advice given by UEFA to its referees state that a caution must be issued when handling **prevents a promising attacking move to develop**
I also think that as the referee went to VAR on this that at the Pro level it can help sell the penalty award by cautioning the offender for his action.
Now at grassroots this to me would not normally be a caution. It is not a blatant handling and while it meets the criteria for handling that in itself is sufficient sanction with the award of a penalty kick.