Date:         Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:27:13 -0500
Reply-To:     Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees
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Sender:       Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees
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From:         "Donohoe, Patrick" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Re: PK or Offside?
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Folks,


I actually saw this play (Wigan and Stoke; English Premier League) and agree w/ most of the posters that the play should not have been a PK but OS w/ the an indirect kick going out. A card should have been issued for misconduct and no PK.

Due to events (life), most of the time I really don't have time to see a match and even then see it in its' entirety. It was just serendipity that I was able to see this play.

Enjoy the holidays. Merry Christmas!

Patrick
USSF 8   NF



Larry Stone penned:

I quite agree. The moment the OSP player headed for the ball and forced the defender to make his play differently than he would have had the OSP player not involved himself, the offside offense was complete and play was dead at that moment. Therefore, any contact by the defender against the OSP attacker was with the ball not in play and therefore not a foul. It may have been misconduct if more than what, had the ball still been in play, we would consider to be careless, but not a foul.