Question Number: 34298

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/13/2021

RE: rec Adult

Sal of CHICAGO, IL USA asks...

When Tim Howard was goal tending for Everton a few years back, I remember a tricky play that one does not see every day as a referee and one that requires quick thinking. The ball was passed back by one of Tim's teammates, Tim tried controlling the ball with his foot but the ball bounced forward, an opponent near by pounced toward Tim Howard at which point Tim, knowing that if he grabbed the ball, he would be called for an indirect free kick decided to lie on top of the ball trapping it between his chest and the ground. The opponent did not know what to do and never tried to challenge, instead looked at the ref in disbelief and walked away, at which point Tim bounced up and played the ball with his foot away from goal. My question is, since Tim did not use his hands, one can not call entrapment or playing in a dangerous unless the opponent tried challenging Tim for the ball, I believe if he had done so, an indirect would have applied. Am I correct? I tried finding the video to no avail.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Sal
Here is the incident
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx6NqCve64A&t=2m30s
In my opinion Tim Howard was guilty of playing in a dangerous manner as he prevented an opponent from kicking the ball for risk of kicking him due to his laying on top of the ball.
As it was deliberate in my opinion a caution for USB and an indirect free kick from where the offençe took place should have been the correct decision.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Sal,
If true the hands could not be used the keeper could still shield the ball the same as any other player but to lie on that ball I would hold an outfield player that used such a tactic as unsafe and agree with the INDFK for PIADM could be a realistic call! The facts to consider? Was the opponent disadvantaged and did he refrain from challenging because of the unsafe actions? Hell, he had to jump over him. My colleagues supplied a video that show the incident 2.31 2,38. I believe some thought a red card for DOGSO by way of an infringement punishable by a free-kick However, I hold the opinion that a caution, show the yellow card for USB & an INDFK awarded for PIADM would have been the correct call.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Sal,
Lying on the ball creates a situation where an opponent cannot play it safely. That means, the player lying on the ball is Playing in a Dangerous Manner - this can include situations where they've put themselves at risk.

Typically this is more likely to occur when a player happens to be knocked over on top of the ball and doesn't get up (though we may have to consider the opponent's actions if they're kicking at the ball or making a situation where they can't get up) - in that case, you're going to allow a reasonable opportunity to get up before penalising them. Same when a player on the ground traps the ball beneath/between their legs.

In this instance, given the blatant nature of the offence and the tactical nature of it, I'd be cautioning for USB. It looks like this was done on the edge of the PA with other defenders around.

If the situation went a little differently and diving in the path of an opponent like this tripped an opponent, then we're looking at a DFK/PK.

There would be situations where this would be considered DOGSO (remember - DOGSO doesn't have to be a DFK).