Goalkeeper Handball just outside of area

Had an incident yesterday where I sent off a goalkeeper for picking up a bouncing ball- he thought he was inside his area but was actually just inside the D on the edge of the penalty area.

A ball had been played over the top pretty much dead straight down the pitch heading for the centre of the goal. The oncoming striker had beaten both centre backs for pace so was clean through, both of the defenders about a meter behind him. Keeper comes out and, thinking he was inside the penalty area, collects the bouncing ball into his chest. My opinion is that if he had waited inside the penalty to collect the ball the striker would have beaten him to it. I give a free kick and send the goalkeeper off for DOGSO.

To clarify I still think this was the correct call but the goal keeper spoke to me after the game (very respectfully so no issue) and his opinion was that he’s beaten the player to the ball so it can’t be DOGSO, he’s just accidentally used his hands rather than his feet/head. I actually thought this was quite a reasonable argument- it’s not as though the ball was bouncing over his head and his only option was to use his hand.

I can’t imagine there’s much debate to be had on this unless someone thinks I’ve really got this wrong, just found it a surprisingly logical argument that got me thinking a little.

Just so I understand. If he has stayed in the area, would he had got it before the attacking player?

I don’t actually think that matters if I’m honest as he is the last “defender” at that point and he committed an offence which is denying a goal scoring opportunity.

Right call in my book. Then again, I’m new so could very well be wrong.

My thought was that the strike would have got there but it would have been very very tight, couldn’t say for sure

Think you made the right call.

I don’t think it matters whether the striker would have got the ball if he waited in the area. Sounds like a clear and easy send off.

Under law, there are 2 DOGSO offences, the one you would use is DOGSO by a handball offence, as the keeper did this outside the area, he’s treated the same as every other player. If you were of the opinion that if he hadn’t hand balled it, the striker had an obvious goal scoring opportunity, then you are correct in law.

Sounds like you made the right call but very interesting a player gives you such a nuanced and insightful counter. He's not right when it comes to LOTG but it's still a somewhat compelling argument.

Love to get feedback that pushes my thinking!

Ref X said:

Sounds like you made the right call but very interesting a player gives you such a nuanced and insightful counter. He's not right when it comes to LOTG but it's still a somewhat compelling argument.

Love to get feedback that pushes my thinking!

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Exactly this! I told him by the laws of the game I made the right call but it was interesting to hear a player who was able to have a very polite discussion about interpretation of law without just telling me I’d got it wrong like far too many would

OllieC said:

Exactly this! I told him by the laws of the game I made the right call but it was interesting to hear a player who was able to have a very polite discussion about interpretation of law without just telling me I’d got it wrong like far too many would

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For sure. Very refreshing. I always remember these players. Some are just pains to referee while others are not just good players but good people, thinkers, leaders and standup citizens. At the end of the day, that's what sports is all about