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2023/24 UEFA Europa League Rennes vs Villarreal

[Second Touch] A free-kick taker touches the rebound from the crossbar and the goal is disallowed

An original analysis of real match footage.

Final Decision

VAR / OFR

Second Touch

Rare incident

A Rennes free kick struck the crossbar and a goal was scored from the rebound. After a VAR check, the goal was disallowed and play restarted with an indirect free kick to Villarreal.

Referee Review

Why was this decision made?

See the key points from a referee’s perspective

Show explanation

How the footage and Laws apply

The free-kick taker touched the ball a second time before any other player had touched it. The ball rebounded from the crossbar directly back to the taker. Under the Laws, if the taker touches the ball again before it has touched another player, the opponents receive an indirect free kick. The broadcast graphic identified offside as the reason for disallowing the goal, but that was incorrect: the offence was the second touch. The reason may be hard to spot on first viewing. The same situation can arise from a corner kick, so it is useful for match officials to recognise it.

Relevant Laws

Law 13 – Free Kicks (Offences and sanctions)

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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