Aydın Tiryaki and Gemini AI (2026)

While football is inherently a fluid game, the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol has introduced a non-linear timeline to the sport. The game now functions much like a database transaction system that allows for a “rollback” when critical errors are detected.

This article examines one of the most complex scenarios in modern officiating: the “Penalty Appeal – Advantage – Goal- VAR Cancellation – Reversion to Penalty” chain, analyzing the rules and the validity of cards shown during this sequence.

1. The Core Scenario and Decision Mechanism

The Scenario: A defender commits a foul inside the penalty area (Penalty). The referee does not stop the play, allowing “advantage.” In the ensuing play, the attacking team scores a goal. However, the VAR review reveals an offside offense just before the goal was scored.

The Solution Algorithm:

1. Goal Cancellation: The goal is disallowed due to the offside infringement.
2. Resetting the Advantage: Since the goal is cancelled, the “advantage” played by the referee is deemed to have not materialized.
3. Rollback: Instead of restarting with an offside free kick, the game “rolls back” to the first offense committed before the offside error: The Penalty Kick.

Result: The goal is cancelled, and a penalty kick is awarded.

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2. The Fate of Cards Shown in the “Void” Period

Any disciplinary cards shown by the referee during the “dead time” between the initial penalty incident and the cancelled goal are categorized based on the reason for the card.

A. Rescinded Cards (Tactical Fouls)

Since the game is rolled back, tactical infringements committed during that specific segment of play are considered “null and void.”

• Stopping a Promising Attack (SPA): If a defender pulls a jersey or trips an opponent to stop an attack during the advantage play, and receives a yellow card, this card is rescinded (cancelled) when the game reverts to the penalty.
• Secondary Tactical Fouls: Any other technical infringements (like a non-deliberate handball) are disregarded.

B. Standing Cards (Disciplinary and Conduct Violations)

The Laws of the Game state that acts of indiscipline, aggression, or disrespect are punishable regardless of whether the ball is in play or if a goal is cancelled. The following cards remain valid:

• Violent Conduct / Serious Foul Play: Punching, kicking, or spitting at an opponent.
• Dissent / Offensive Language: Verbal abuse or aggressive disagreement with the referee.
• Excessive Celebration (Removal of Shirt): Even if the goal is disallowed, the yellow card for removing the shirt or inciting the crowd stands. The act itself is punished, not the context of the goal.

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3. The Critical Paradox: Punishing the “Right” Player

The most controversial aspect of this scenario is the status of a player who protested the initial non-call.

• Situation: The player screams at the referee, “That’s a penalty!” and receives a yellow card for dissent.
• Development: VAR reviews the incident and confirms it was indeed a penalty.
• Result: The penalty is awarded, but the yellow card for dissent STANDS.

** The Logic:** The card was not given because the player was “wrong” about the foul, but because the manner of the objection undermined the referee’s authority. Being factually correct does not grant immunity for disrespectful behavior.

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4. The Punishment for the Penalty Offender (DOGSO)

When the game reverts to the original penalty incident, the punishment for the defender is recalculated based on whether a goal was scored or not.

• If the Goal Stood: Even if the foul was DOGSO (Denying an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity), the punishment would typically be downgraded to a Yellow Card because the goal was scored (the opportunity was not denied).
• Since the Goal is Cancelled: The goal-scoring opportunity is deemed “denied.” If the foul was a holding/pulling offense with no attempt to play the ball, the player receives a RED CARD.

Summary Table:

Event / Condition	If Goal Stands	If Goal is Cancelled (Rollback to Penalty)
Restart Method	Kick-off	Penalty Kick
Tactical Foul Cards (SPA)	Valid	Rescinded (Cancelled)
Violent Conduct / Dissent Cards	Valid	Valid
Card for Dissent (Even if right)	Valid	Valid (Remains on record)
Goal Celebration Card	Valid	Valid (Remains on record)
Penalty Offender (DOGSO)	Yellow Card (Mostly)	Red Card (If no attempt to play ball)

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A Note on Methods and Tools: All observations, ideas, and solution proposals in this study are the author’s own. AI was utilized as an information source for researching and compiling relevant topics strictly based on the author’s inquiries, requests, and directions; additionally, it provided writing assistance during the drafting process. (The research-based compilation and English writing process of this text were supported by AI as a specialized assistant.)