Law 12 of the FIFA Laws of the Game concerns Fouls and Misconduct. In particular, it states:
A direct free kick is awarded if a player commits any of the following
offences:
- a handball offence (except for the goalkeeper within their penalty area)
- holds an opponent
- impedes an opponent with contact
- bites or spits at someone
- throws an object at the ball, an opponent or a match official, or makes contact with the ball with a held object
As one might imagine, that leaves a lot to the interpretation of the match official. And that's where you come in, expert Gheorghies.
Last night in London, England were locked in a battle with Denmark in the semifinals of the European championships. The Three Lions were rampant, looking dangerous against the brave but tiring Danes. With the score 1-1 in extra time, the sublime Raheem Sterling flitted into the penalty box, split a pair of opponents, and went down under pressure from Joakim Maehle and Matthias Jensen. At first blush, it appeared an obvious penalty, and referee Danny Makkelie agreed, pointing to the spot.
The replay was, shall we say, less than conclusive. Cut to the 2:45 mark of the video below, and ignore the talking heads.
After review by the video assistant referee (VAR), the penalty call was confirmed. Harry Kane's spot kick was saved by the mighty Kasper Schmeichel, but Kane pounced on the rebound to score and give England a 2-1 win. (That they deserved, if we're being fair.)
What say you, Gheorghies? Penalty? Dive? Divenalty?
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The verdict:
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