FIFA foul laws under scrutiny

THE interpretation of FIFA’s law 12, which covers fouls and misconduct, has come under the microscope this season following a series of high-profile incidents.

Red cards for Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany and Liverpool’s Jay Spearing, coupled with controversy over challenges by Frank Lampard and Glen Johnson which were not punished in the same manner, have sparked debate over the laws of the game.

There are small subtleties between tackles that are careless or of excessive force, but they carry very different penalties. Only the latter imposes the threat of a sending-off.

City captain Kompany was sent off against Manchester United on Sunday by referee Chris Foy for a two-footed tackle.

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson made a similar challenge against City on Wednesday night but was deemed to have played the ball and no foul was given.

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher said: “The law doesn’t help the referees. It’s about your opinion on what you see and the experience you have.

“The Johnson incident doesn’t look the same foul from the three different angles, but nine times out of 10 when people lunge for the ball it isn’t a terrific tackle.”

Asked whether football’s governing bodies should clarify the rules, Gallagher added: “That will happen in the coming weeks, in that there will be a more standard line.”