Under pressure from an attacking team player, a defender deliberately kicks the ball to the goalkeeper. However, because the ball will go into the goal, the goalkeeper handles the ball inside the goal area to prevent a goal. What is the referee’s decision?

THE DECISION

An indirect free kick is awarded to the attacking team which is taken from the nearest point on the goal area line which runs parallel to the goal line. In this case, there is no disciplinary sanction because the goalkeeper cannot be sent off (red card) for a handball offence in their own penalty area.