Referee Review
What should you focus on in this scene?
See the key points from a referee’s perspective
Show explanation
Referee Review
What should you focus on in this scene?
See the key points from a referee’s perspective
Show explanationHow the footage and Laws apply
Watch the referee's quick change of direction and running as Kawasaki launched the counter-attack. Cerezo had been pressing high, and the referee was positioned relatively far forward to follow their attack. When the misplaced back pass reached a Kawasaki player, the footage shows the referee immediately turning and setting off. The referee kept running as the through ball took the attack rapidly towards the penalty area and reached a position close to it. Keeping up with the point of the challenge after such a sudden change of possession made this an excellent example of refereeing fitness and reaction.
Relevant Laws
Law 5 – The Referee (Positioning)
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.
Want to test your understanding of this decision?
Build confidence with more Laws of the Game questions in the app.
Try more questions in the appRelated Scenes
[Handball] A superb decision spotting an accidental handball in a crowded area | 2021 J1 League Matchweek 1 Shonan Bellmare vs Sagan Tosu
[Positioning] The referee's forward run anticipating a switch to the right and a run in behind | 2026/27 J1 League Matchweek 2 Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Urawa Reds