While taking a goal kick, a defender attempts to pass the ball to a nearby midfielder but slips and the ball is kicked only a few metres. As an opposing attacker then enters the penalty area and runs towards the ball, the goalkeeper dives and catches it to prevent the opponent from gaining control. What is the referee’s decision?

Question

Accepted Answer

The referee allows play to continue. The goalkeeper is permitted to handle the ball inside their penalty area because their team-mate did not deliberately kick the ball to the goalkeeper.