Question Number: 35123

Mechanics 9/29/2023

RE: Adult

AEK Fan Club Of NY of ASTORIA, NY USA asks...

Please review the video at 0:47

There were two defensive plays by the same player in red.
The player in red first tackled #19 of yellow team, no penalty given
Then tackled player 12 and penalty was given

Thru VAR the referee, recalled the decision for the penalty, as player 12 clearly took a dive.
The questions here are as follows:
1. Was there a penalty on player 19?
2. VAR called the ref for penalty on player 12 which was not, however should have the VAR shown the first tackle on player 19, assuming it was a penalty?

URL:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TRADJli73GA&pp=ygUkzpHOlc6aIC0gzp_Ou8-FzrzPgM65zrHOus-Mz4IgMSAtIDEg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBd7X7PaEbc

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
Thanks for the question
The challenge on Yellow #19 did not look like a foul to me. It looks like Red #18 plays the ball first and then makes a second challenge on Yellow #12 which the referee thought was a penalty. VAR looked at it and asked the referee to review it. It was decided it was not a foul so the penalty award was overturned.
I am certain that both incidents would have been looked at in the VAR review and I believe the correct decision was made. Neither challenge was deserving of a penalty.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

In real time on a grass roots pitch as a referee you needed to be looking a bit closer to see there was no actual contact. Who knows for sure? If I had an AR looking and VAR overseeing I might not follow the play in for a better look. . The referee seemed to be just walking/trotting about, perhaps trying to stay centrally located in case play switched back ? I still think I would have hustled more to where the red Number 7 was or at least just past the penalty arc to get a more unrestricted view?

The only point I might add was the first challenge there was an extended stiff leg with studs yet I saw no contact with that leg, only a ball swipe with the other leg, to which the attacker fell over the ball and it squirted free. The 2nd tackle to the next player, it looks very divey in slow motion that is, and if it was not a PK some consideration for a USB for exaggeration . Both players rolled about as if chopped by an axe. Sigh!

I too think NO PK was there!

I get so peeved that so many goofy PKs are awarded for handling yet here a double physical challenge was not routinely gifted I am pleased with the communication . It was the correct and more import, fair decision!
Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 35126