09 Dec 2023 18:01:43
Ed001, quick question for you.

What has happened to "indirect free kicks" from inside the penalty box? It's been decades I haven't seen one, but I remember seeing loads of them during my younger days. Nowadays every foul is either a red card, a penalty or nothing at all. Have they been erased or have the rules been changed? Or do the refs just not bother anymore?

{Ed001's Note - I believe the laws were changed. I would have to check but I think now the only time one of those can happen is if a keeper picks up a backpass. I could well be wrong though as it is not something I have thought about until you mentioned it. You are right though, there was a few seasons when they were almost certain to happen once or twice a game.}

1.) 09 Dec 2023
09 Dec 2023 18:23:00
Obstruction also seems to be more and more prevalent but now never deemed illegal- "shepherding" the ball out of play whilst doing everything to stop the opponent getting near it. Infuriating!

2.) 09 Dec 2023
09 Dec 2023 19:30:38
Thanks Ed001 ??.

{Ed001's Note - very welcome.}

3.) 09 Dec 2023
09 Dec 2023 21:23:19
I remember 2 from Shearer. One he blasted in to the roof of the net for England, the other was for Newcastle.

4.) 10 Dec 2023
10 Dec 2023 01:22:39
I’m glad you’ve raised this. I’ve thought for a few years now that they should utilize the indirect fee kick more often. It would still be subjective but as an example, some of these handballs where we know they aren’t handballs and aren’t called, but end of the day the ball has hit the arm and has had an impact on where the ball is going. So why not give an indirect for every handball in the box and then a pen for the ones the ref believes are intentional according to the law.

5.) 10 Dec 2023
10 Dec 2023 22:25:07
Faith I agree with this 100%. I said the exact same I. A Discussions post 2 weeks ago. It would make the game better imo as quite often a penalty doesn’t fit the crime. Also, I direct free kicks are really exciting!