The goalkeeper (Team A) leaves their penalty area because two attacking players (Team B) are running towards the goalkeeper’s goal. One attacking player tries to pass the ball to a team-mate who is not in an offside position. The goalkeeper deliberately touches the ball with their hand/arm and intercepts the pass. What is the correct decision?

Question

Accepted Answer

The referee awards a direct free kick to Team B. The goalkeeper is sent off (red card) if the referee judges that the handball denied the opposing team an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.