Would it be ethical for a soccer goalie to put a little needle in his hand to pop the ball on a stop?

Question

That would be so cool. Like if a big old striker boots the ball about 100 miles per hour and the goalie stops it and the ball lifelessly drops to the ground looking all flat. Everyone would be like WTF? That would be great to see during World Cup play.

Answer 1

Yeah I think it would be funny!!! They should try that some time but only at a huge event, not like a kiddie game where all the kids would just end up crying. That wouldn't be as fun.

Answer 2

The answers above are basically correct. However, the standard answer that says the keeper can touch the ball with his hands when he is in his own penalty area (the large box around the goal, not the small box) is not fully accurate. The actual rule is that the keeper can touch the ball with his hands when *the ball* is in the keeper's own penalty area. The position of the keeper's body is irrelevant. For example, sometimes the keeper will be out near the edge of the penalty area. With both feet and his body inside the area, the keeper will reach out over the line and touch the ball with his hands. Since the ball was not in the penalty area, the keeper is guilty of deliberate handling. The opponents are awarded a direct free kick just outside the penalty area. Conversely, on rare occasions (I've seen it only twice in 28 years of officiating) the keeper will be outside the area and the ball on the penalty area line. The keeper then puts his hands on the ball. Since the penalty area line is part of the penalty area, there is no offense (lol, despite much protest from the attacking team!). Less uncommonly, sometimes during frantic action the goalie will wind up inside the goal. Stopping the ball with his hands while the ball is outside the goal is legal, and is not a goal (again often contrary to the opinions of the attacking team). As you can see in these examples, its the position of the ball which counts, not the keeper's body.

Answer 3

It would not be possible. When the ball hits, one of three things will happen:

1. The needle bends.

2. The needle gets shoved into the goalies hand, causing a rather painfull injury.

3. Both 1&2 simultaneously (that means at the same time, for those still hung over from last nights match).

I am beginning to believe that soccer goons are as stupid as NASCAR and WWE/RAW fans.

Answer 4

Not only would it be unethical, but dangerous to both the goalie himself, as well anyone who came into contact with him. Simply for asking the question, I'm afraid I'm going to have to red card you. (a goalie who tried this and caught would likely face a much stiffer punishment... a life time ban comes to mind.)

There is, however, a history of balls bursting before they reach the goal line on a shot, but that time is long past as the quality of the ball being used has improved.

Answer 5

Dangerous. The ball hits you really hard so the needle might end up being stuck in your hand. But it'd be interesting if we could have seen Buffon running around screaming with the needle stuck in the meat on his hand. But...no, I like that guy.

It's not ethical, the goalie ain't hired to pop balls, he stops 'em.

Answer 6

have you ever played soccer?
you think you can poke a hole in a ball with a little needle?

Unreal.

Answer 7

I'm a goalie in soccor. I think I'll try that sometime. I'll tell u how it works out.

Answer 8

youd win

Answer 9

haha that would be sooo funny.. hell for that i may actually watch soccer!!

Answer 10

That would be funny