Keeping the wall 10 yards back

[stressederic]

Argentines use 'free-kick' spray

 

The spray will be used in first division matches next season

The Argentine Football Association is to introduce an aerosol spray to stop defenders creeping closer to the ball during a free-kick.

 

From next year, referees will use the spray in first division matches.

 

Referees will mark a temporary white line 9.15 metres (10 yards) from the ball, which defenders cannot cross. The spray will disappear 30 seconds later.

 

Pablo Silva, who invented the spray, got the idea when he failed to score with a free-kick at an amateur match.

 

"In the 88th minute, we were losing 1-0 and won a free-kick on the edge of the area. When I took the kick, the wall was three metres away," he told Reuters earlier this year.

 

"The referee didn't book anyone and didn't do anything," he said.

 

"We lost the game, and driving home later, with a mixture of anger and bitterness, I thought that we must invent something to stop this."

 

The spray has been trialled in second division matches and a similar spray has been used in some competitions in Brazil.

 

BBC

 

Good idea that. Although when I read the headline I imagined the ref using some form of mace to spray into the eyes of encroachers.

[DJS]

With some of the pansying about that goes on before the taker finally takes the kick, it'd need to last longer than 30 seconds. But decent idea.

[SkippyjonJones]

taser

[Cobs]

My Mum had the idea for that over 20 years ago, she should sue

[ManxRed]

They should make it available in several fragrances. Cinnamon Spice, Pine Fresh, Hint of Rooney, etc.

[Sir Tokyo Sexwale]

they've been doing that in Brasil since practically before footy was invented.

 

Taser is the way forward as NHE says though

[Nebraska Red]

invisible fences all over the pitch.

 

ref radios the 4th official to activate the required fence when a free kick is given.

 

if the defence encroaches, ZAP!!

 

it works on my neighbor's dog, he does not move off their front lawn any more.

 

Perfect for the likes of Rooney and Frogface Ferdinand