What happens if a fan, a dog or a second ball comes onto the pitch?
A · Advanced · Who decides, and how does VAR work? · 12 of 12The referee stops play only if the intruder interferes with it, and restarts with a dropped ball. If the ball is going into the goal and the interference does not stop a defender playing it, the goal counts. If a substitute or team official interferes, the other team gets a direct free kick or penalty.
How it works
- An extra ball, object, animal or person who is not on a team list is an "outside agent".
- No interference: play continues and the intruder is removed as soon as possible.
- Interference: play stops; dropped ball.
- Exception: a ball on its way into the goal still counts if the interference did not prevent a defender playing it, unless the interference came from the attacking team.
- A team official, substitute, substituted or sent-off player who enters and interferes: direct free kick or penalty kick to the other team, and a card.
- A goal scored while an extra person from the scoring team was on the field and interfered is disallowed, if noticed before play restarts.
- A spectator's whistle that interferes with play: dropped ball.
Tricky cases
A substitute ran on and stopped a certain goal. What happens?
A direct free kick or penalty kick to the attacking team, and the substitute is sent off for denying a goal.
A fan touched the ball but it still went in. Is it a goal?
Yes, if the touch did not stop a defender playing the ball and the fan was not acting for the attacking team.
Why the rule exists
Outside things should affect the result as little as possible. Team people who interfere are punished like players.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All football under the Laws | As above | L3.7, 3.9; L5.3 |
From the rule book
IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Laws 3.7, 3.9, 5.3 and 12.4, in force from 1 July 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: IFAB Laws of the Game (PDF).