Applying the LOTG

So the Canada -v- USA Women's Olympic game was a cracker by all accounts, and not without its own level of drama surrounding application of the Laws of the Game.  I didn't see the match and working off online reports, here's my take.

Referee Christina Pedersen, a Norwegian referee awarded a IDFK to USA due to the Canadian goalkeeper exceeding the six second rule.

Photo: afterellen.com
To quote the LOTG

"A goalkeeper is not permitted to keep control of the ball in his hands for more than six seconds.  A goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball:

• while the ball is between his hands or between his hand and any surface(e.g. ground, own body)

• while holding the ball in his outstretched open hand

• while in the act of bouncing it on the ground or tossing it into the air

Restart of play - indirect free kick from the position where the offense occurred"

 According to online reports, the goalkeeper was verbally warned twice (depending upon which reports you read) about this infringement by the referee / or assistant referee and still choose to hold / control the ball in excess of the six seconds.  Canada was 3-2 at the time of the decision, draw your own conclusions about what the goalkeeper was thinking.

Regardless, the referee awarded the IDFK in 78th minute and directly following a penalty decision was called for handball when the USA kicked the ball directly against a Canadian defender.  The penalty was scored and extra time was then taken, USA scoring in the dying seconds, winning the match 4-3.

The media has been in a frenzy over what is actually correct by the LOTG and other media reports have indicated that even on video replay the goalkeeper held the ball for 10 seconds.  Regardless it did change the course of the match and the outcome for Finals.

Here's some other reported links, all Canadian - The Star, The Globe and Mail

Following the match and comments made by the Canadians, FIFA today has indicated it'll wait until following the Bronze game to apply any sanctions - My San Antonio

It's an interesting reflection on the game in its professional -v- amateur status.  The media has made much of pointing to a lack of application of this section of Law 12 in professional leagues for several years.  Why is this the case, when weekly you can see goal keepers taking all the time in the world to put the ball back into play?
Does the lack of application come from elite referees being told to ignore this aspect due to its disruptive / interfering aspect in the flow of a match, with the referee attempting to not be seen / heard during the match?  Or is it just a forgotten part of law?
What do you think?

Applying this at a local Div 6 level Sunday league football may draw questions from players and abuse from uninformed spectators, but everyone will accept it as a part of the game.

The keeper cannot hold the ball longer than 6 seconds - why, because FIFA wants to ensure that the game is played quickly and fairly.  Doesn't anyone remember the time before this section was added to the LOTG and how much time was spent watching the keeper "hold" the ball?  The game is now quicker and more engaging for spectators, those same who are quick to post negative comments online.
The IDFK is applied to address the offense and potentally ensure that the keeper doesn't reoffend.

Unfortunately for Christina, the circumstances following that correct decision went against the natural outcome of the match.  This then created the entry point for the media to be critical of several incidents and create the "who's to blame" culture, in this case the referee (as normal). In my opinion, the focus is incorrect - look to the goal keeper who didn't follow the rules, not the person applying them.

Strangely, the human impact of this "sporting moment" is what makes our game great.

And if you happen to see a six second voliation this weekend, will you be as brave as Christina to apply the LOTG?