Do goalkeepers get too much protection? That may seem an outrageous question after two Chelsea goalkeepers were ambulanced to hospital in the same game against Reading. But it is cry that is often heard from players and spectators after the referee has blown up for a challenge on the goalkeeper.
'You can't touch 'em any more,' is a typical exclamation. What a referee has to bear in mind is that when a goalkeeper comes out, he is usually only thinking of saving the ball and not in protecting himself. Attacking players going for the same ball, may have no intention of harming the goalkeeper but, if their action puts the goalkeeper in danger, the referee may well err on the side of safety.
There are two main times when goalkeepers are especially vulnerable. Possibly the most dangerous, as we have seen, is when the ball is near the goalkeeper on the ground. At another incident involving Chelsea recently, the goalkeeper went down to make the save with the ball bouncing in front of him and an attacking player slid in with his boots. 'A loose ball', he appealed after the referee gave a foul against him but, if the player is not in complete control, it makes it a danger to the goalkeeper.
One slightly obscure point in the laws gives goalkeepers a unique and doubtful privilege. It's not always appreciated is that if a player deliberately puts himself in danger, then it is an indirect free kick to the opposing team. For instance, if a ball is played low into a crowd of players and one player decides to dive to head it where others might be in a position to kick it, then he has committed an act of dangerous play. This of course does not apply to goalkeepers, who constantly put themselves in possible danger by diving for low balls.
The other vulnerable time for goalkeepers is from a high ball. Usually of course the attacker has the same motive, going for the ball but there are times when players take advantage of the goalkeepers vulnerability. Tony Adams tells how his then Arsenal manager George Graham, told him at a pre-match briefing to put the goalkeeper in the back of the net at the first corner to deter him from coming for high crosses.
Players have also felt justified in charging the goalkeeper when he has caught the ball. Remember how Ray Wood of Manchester United, was charged over the goal line by Aston Villa's Peter McParlane, for what turned out to be the winning goal in the 1957 Cup Final. McParlane raced in from a considerable distance and the shoulder charge was so violent that not only did it knock Woods over the line, it also broke his jaw.
Goalkeepers are protected from that sort of charge today. Although fair shoulder-to-shoulder charges are still permissible, even on goalkeepers, they cannot be carried out using excessive force.
Of course, it's not all one way, Brian Clough had his footballing career brought to a premature end by Bury goalkeeper, Chris Harker. Having said that, goalkeepers are the most exposed and always have been. Older readers will remember when Bert Trautman, Manchester City's Ex-German POW goalkeeper made a save at the feet of an opponent after 15 minutes of the 1956 Cup Final. He played on in pain only to discover by x-ray after the game that he had broken his neck.
A helmet might help prevent head injuries as has been suggested but I'm sure they would not be allowed, as they would create a danger to other players in a crowded penalty area. If items like metal hairclips are considered a danger just think what damage a hard hat could do. It is impossible for a referee to offer goalkeepers protection in all circumstances but they need all they can get.
Dick Sawdon Smith
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© R Sawdon Smith 2006