Question Number: 34212

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/2/2021

RE: Semi-pro Adult

Ignas Repecka of Kaunas, Kaunas Lithuania asks...

Hello,

Quick question. Goalkeeper catches a cross and when kicking the ball out, hits teammates (who is in the box) hand is it a penalty? The teammate is not facing the goalie and his hand is in natural position next to the body.


Thank you for answers.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Ignas,
in my opinion not likely.
It's an accidental contact although the keeper could legally grab the ball again as it has touched another player I say play on!
The interesting thing is if it was an opponent and the ball deflected back off the hand for a goal or a shot resulted in a goal due to that contact, no goal but the defenders get a dfk out! sigh oh those wacky LOTG changes! lol
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Ignas
Thanks for the question
As described it is not deliberate handling by a defender so a referee will allow play to continue. It is highly unlikely that in any circumstances that it is an offence by a defender as it could only be accidental. There is no reason for a defender to do this deliberately so it is play on.
It is only an offence if the same event was to happen to an attacker who by this handling action has perhaps created a goal scoring opportunity. It may seem unfair that one is not penalised yet the other is yet the lawmakers do not want situations where the ball comes off a hand even accidentally to score a goal or create a goal scoring opportunity. They also do not want to penalise accidental contact of the ball in all other situations except as stated in the goal or goal scoring situations.
I hope that helps