I did not want to hijack MassachusettsRef thread on this match, regarding the Bundesliga interpretation of offside. So I have started a separate one. Later in the clip there was a deciding PK at the end of the match that was very interesting and at least worth a few brain clicks to process. Watch it here: http://www.footytube.com/video/1-fsv-mainz-05-fc-augsburg-oct15-93158?ref=tchan_ov_vidgrid So - fellow referees, call -or- not? My personal take is no call as the defender, while certainly aware of the attackers impending presence has played the ball while the contact (IMHO) originated at the attacking players instigation. I am not criticizing the call, I simply would like to generate some give and take on the evaluation criteria this audience might use if faced with this decision.
Forward the clip to about 5:35 to see this. Clear PK - Attacker played the ball first, defender took him down. Appears the ref was going to caution the defender (debatable, I suppose, as to whether there needs to be any card at all), but I really see no controversy or big question here.
Agree: attacker wins ball, clear foul, clear penalty. definitely not a sendoff, and an earnest attempt to win the ball: caution not warranted. to be fair, the offender sees the defender coming out hard, and knows as long as he gets the first touch, contact will be inevitable. and it was. all the same, he won a penalty fair and square, even though his touch was otherwise useless.
Love the observation on which way did the ball go. One pic is worth many words. Kudos to the referee for the full sprint to be in the perfect position to see it ...