With thousands of football matches taking place across the country each week, most would have thought that supporters would know all of the rules by now… but maybe not.
The Laws of the Game are constantly evolving and leaving many stumped - something that only seems to have got worse with the introduction of VAR into the Premier League. One particular rule that still causes trouble is the presence of the ‘D’ outside of the penalty area and what its exact purpose is.
Fortunately, there is now an answer for supporters. Just like for a free-kick outside of the penalty area, other players have to remain at least 10 yards from the taker to ensure that there is no distraction.
To ensure this is the case, players must stand behind the line in the process of a spot-kick being taken and may only move once the taker has made contact with the ball. This isn’t always the case with a number of players encroaching on regular occasions.
Regarding the process of a penalty being taken, the laws of the game on the FA website read: “The players other than the kicker and goalkeeper must be: “at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the penalty mark”, “behind the penalty mark”, “inside the field of play” and “outside the penalty area”.
Meanwhile, there are also a number of complicated rules regarding the re-taking of a penalty should encroachment occur. According to Law 14, a penalty is retaken only in the circumstances of the attacking team encroaching and the ball finds the net or alternatively both teams encroach regardless of the result.
A spot-kick is also retaken if the defending team encroaches but the taker fails to find the back of the net. Alternatively, if the taker misses but there is encroachment by the attacking side, an indirect free-kick is awarded to the defending team.
Did you know what the D outside of the penalty area was for? Join the conversation in the comments below
A statement from the Premier League regarding VAR’s intervention when it comes to encroachment read: “For player encroachment in the box, it is now judged on any part of a player’s body that is on the ground when the kick is taken.
“Therefore, if any part of the foot is on the penalty area or arc line it is encroachment. The player must still have a material impact on the outcome of the kick.”
There was recently controversy involving Chelsea and a re-taken penalty during their Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund. Kai Havertz had originally stepped up and scored but both teams were adjudged to have encroached.
The second attempt was actually missed to the dismay of the German and his Chelsea teammates. The Blues eventually ended up winning 2-0 to book their spot in the quarter-finals.
