Referee Review
Why was this decision made?
See the key points from a referee’s perspective
Show explanation
Referee Review
Why was this decision made?
See the key points from a referee’s perspective
Show explanationHow the footage and Laws apply
This is excellent refereeing, with the referee judging the advantage accurately in a position where that decision is very difficult. The offence occurred near the halfway line, and slightly inside Iwaki FC's own half. When there is still a long way to the goal, it is difficult to judge whether an advantage will really accrue, and it is easy to stop play and award a free kick. In that situation the referee appears to have taken in the whole picture, including the intention of the Iwaki FC players to keep playing and the position of the player in possession, and to have judged that the team could carry the ball forward at speed, and therefore applied advantage. As a result, that decision led to an excellent goal. Look also at the referee's running after advantage was applied. The referee kept up with Iwaki FC's rapid counter-attack without falling behind, and this quality of running, too, makes the scene a valuable example for match officials.
Relevant Laws
Law 5 - The Referee (Advantage) / Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct
Official references
Check the wording of the Laws
The links above lead to official IFAB and JFA resources. The application of the Laws to this incident is the author’s analysis and is not an official view of IFAB, JFA or the competition organiser.
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