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 an excellent example of advantage at the start of an attack and of the referee's positioning as the move ended in a goal. There are two points to watch. First, the footage shows the Verdy player pulling an opponent's arm. The referee judged that Kawasaki could continue into a promising attack and did not stop play. The move led to a goal. Second, as Kawasaki advanced down the right, the referee ran at an angle and distance that kept both the player with the ball and the players in the middle in view. For the cross and shot, the referee continued to move into a position with the incident between them and the assistant referee. No further offence occurred, but the referee was well placed to respond if one had. This is a valuable example for match officials.
Relevant Laws
Law 5 – The Referee (Advantage, positioning) / 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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[Advantage] A well-judged advantage after a foul deep in their own half leading to a goal | 2026/27 J2 League Matchweek 3 Jubilo Iwata vs Tokushima Vortis