Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has announced his retirement from football this week. Despite his career seeing a decline after leaving City, Hart remains a decorated player with two Premier League titles, four Golden Gloves awards, and 75 caps for his country.
Additionally, he possesses knowledge of one of football’s rare and peculiar laws. In 2014, Hart found himself explaining this unusual rule after a disallowed goal by Charlie Austin during a match between QPR and City.
Austin capitalized on a mistake by Hart, who inadvertently played the ball straight to him, resulting in a goal. However, the celebration was short-lived as Hart protested to referee Mike Dean, citing a violation of the rule.
Hart’s right foot inadvertently kicked the ball onto his left, leading to a double touch. According to Law 13 in the rule book, a free-kick taken by the defending team from inside its penalty area must be kicked directly out of the area, or else it must be retaken. Hart’s awareness of this rule led to Austin’s goal being disallowed.
Reflecting on the incident, Hart explained, “I knew the rules and touched it twice… It’s a mistake and not ideal, but rules are rules.”
Meanwhile, Austin, who had another disallowed goal and a legitimate goal during the match, humorously remarked on his awareness of the situation through his celebration and subsequent observation of the referee’s response.
