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 anticipation, quick change of direction and running angle as possession switched twice. First, when Verdy lost the ball near halfway, the referee immediately turned and ran after FC Tokyo's counter-attack. Rather than following a straight line, the referee ran wider to keep a clear view of the challenge on the assistant referee's side. Second, when the Verdy goalkeeper caught the shot, the referee turned at once and ran upfield. Given Verdy's numerical disadvantage and the stage of the match, it appears the referee anticipated a long counter-attack from the goalkeeper's punt. Reacting quickly in both directions while maintaining a good viewing angle makes this a useful example for match officials.
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.
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