Question Number: 9016

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct

Steve of Southampton, England asks...

Should a player be sent off for throwing a ball at someone if it hits them in the back of the head?..I had this in a match today. The goalkeeper threw the ball like a throw in into the back of an opponents head. unfortunatly the guy turned round and punched him so he was sent off but I only cautioned the keeper. Should he have been sent off?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Steve If the goalkeeper throws the ball at the back of an opponent's head with ANY kind of force he should be sent-off. ..Regards,

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Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

short answer, if intentional,absolutely. If accidental, no.

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Answer provided by Referee Laflin

If you cautioned him for it, it was obviously intentional. It was therefore violent conduct (what else could it be described as?) and should have been punished with a red card... we live and learn! Saying that, depending on the wording of your report, the card will probably be upgraded by the disciplinary team of your County FA to a red for VC. Regards,

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