An Elbow, Carlos Ruiz And The Interpretation Of Rule 12

by Scott Kessler on Mar 21, 2011 11:05 PM EDT in Editorials

After posting my review of Carlos Ruiz's debut with the Philadelphia Union, there was a lot of discussion amongst readers and staff alike as to what Ruiz's proper 'punishment' should have been after his elbow to the face of Houston Dynamo defender Andrew Hainult.

Dynamo broadcast Glenn Davis believes that Ruiz should have received a red card based upon prior infractions that the Guatemalan striker has picked up over his career. Ruiz is notorious for his highly aggressive, and sometimes reckless, play. When I called into Davis' soccer show today, we talked about Ruiz's elbow and his very late kick on USMNT (and Everton) goalkeeper Tim Howard in a World Cup qualifier between the US and Guatemala (which can be seen at the 4:38 mark of the linked video here). Davis is pretty adamant that a yellow card, while justified, was not enough for Ruiz.

I believed the same as Davis when I originally posted the article. Then I reviewed FIFA's Rule 12 and FIFA's Official Interpretation of Rule 12. That's when I changed my mind and thought that the challenge on the ball was only "careless," which would only result in an "indirect freekick" with no caution.

A referee, one of my friends who is certified by USSF for Region 1 match play (up to USL PDL in his case), gives his take: "Ruiz went up for the challenge, on the ball in a way that involved an unnatural movement that gained an unfair advantage. That is the definition of a reckless challenge, which is punishable by a caution - yellow card. The reason for that yellow card would be listed as unsporting behavior. It's not a red card offense. If the elbow was deemed intentional, which in this case I feel was not the case, then it would have warranted a red for striking a player."

Here's the play (skipped to 2:24 for the incident):

What do you think? Give your opinion and analysis below.

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I agree mostly with your referee friend, although I’m not sure that the position of Ruiz’s arms was entirely unnatural. I think it can be chalked up more to what you referred to as “carelessness”; that is, he didn’t pay enough attention to where his arm would end up in relation to Hainault. All players will have their arms extended when going up for a header.
One thing’s for sure; Ruiz’s offense is nothing compared to that which actually earned us a red card in last year’s opener: Toni Stahl’s infamous knee in the opposition player’s back. That was unnecessary and stupid, and was deserving of a red card. So was Califf’s red in Toronto in Game 3 last year. Ruiz’s offense wasn’t as heinous as those two.

Editor at The Brotherly Game. Madridista de corazón. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @joeysamuel

by Joey Samuel on Mar 21, 2011 11:22 PM EDT reply actions

My friend says the following:

“The unnatural motion I referred to was in the way that Ruiz swung his elbow backward, toward the opposing player (not saying that it was intentional). It is okay for a player to put his arms out as he jumps, but not in the slight swinging motion that Ruiz employed.”

Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank

by Scott Kessler on Mar 21, 2011 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree with the referee with whom you spoke. As I commented in the other Ruiz post, he didn’t look towards Hainault, but he is swinging his arm to either gain an advantage over or punish Hainault should he continue to press into his vicinity. A straight red would have been very harsh, there was no deliberate intent to injure on the play. It was reckless and unnatural, and since the foul was relatively serious, a yellow was deserved.

By the way, for all the comments that are made about the writhing and drama from Ruiz, don’t you think Hainault went down in a heap and laid there for awhile to draw a harsher punishment?

by earl_of_reed on Mar 22, 2011 7:46 AM EDT reply actions

There is absolutely no way that was a red card, and i was upset at the yellow (although after the game, i can admit why it was given as a yellow card). Ruiz’s eyes never once left the ball. I watched it carefully and he couldn’t have known who was there. If the ref had given a red card, then his “prior” actions must have been taken into account. That would have been a disgrace.

p.s i hope you tore into the Houston reporter guy, as there is no way any prior “bad things” should be taken into account when deciding a red/yellow card on the pitch. That’s the kind of thing that should be taken into account with severity of suspensions only.

by bluetooner on Mar 22, 2011 7:56 AM EDT reply actions

It all comes down to if you think the elbow was intentional or not

I think it was clearly intentional, but I’m a Dynamo fan who hates Ruiz with a passion. I admit I’m biased.

Did he swing the elbow or not. That’s the only discussion. Where he’s looking is irrelevant. Who went up for the ball first is irrelevant. If you’re trying to decide between a yellow or red then it all comes down to if he swung the elbow or not.

I think he did swing the elbow with intent. You can interpret all the rules you want throwing an elbow at the head of another player is a red at any level anywhere in the world. This wasn’t about the challenge. It’s about whether he threw an elbow, or if he just put his arm out for balance. If you think he was just putting his arm out for balance then that’s fine. I think it’s pretty clear he swung the arm back.

As for whether or not a players past reputation should come into play. Well, no it shouldn’t…but everyone knows it does. It’s just human nature. I think you guys can expect Ruiz’s reputation to come back and haunt you this year. His reputation is well deserved. I’m sure a few of them won’t be deserved, but many of them will be.

Good luck the rest of the season.

"Well, at least our players kept their helmets on, so that showed some intelligence"-Bob McNair

by papabear on Mar 22, 2011 10:18 AM EDT reply actions

MLS are going to be calling persistant fouling tight this year

Don Garber has made it an official goal of the MLS and the reffing crew. In this case, the past reputation is a reason for making a foul call. Ruiz will need to be careful this year. On review of the tape there’s no clear evidence that Ruiz was intentionally throwing the elbow. The ref made the right call in this instance.

by Dizzo on Mar 22, 2011 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions