Ball touches referee question.

[Maciej76]

Hi, quick one. In the new Laws I understand what happens, when the ball touches the ref and remains on the field. However, could anyone tell me, if after touching ref the ball goes out, is it a throw-in for the opponents? Seems counterintuitive given that possession of the ball changes at that time.

 

[ASM]

It would be a throw in (or corner/goal kick as appropriate). IFAB answered those in Circular 17:

it is only a dropped ball when the ball touches the referee (or another match official) and ‘remains in play’. If the ball goes out of play, the game restarts as if it had not touched the match official.

 

[spuddy1878]

Side issue.

The new drop ball laws been a really good addition i think.