Fans baffled after penalty becomes opposition free-kick before ball is kicked

Football fans and social media users were left baffled by the events that unfolded during Tuesday’s National League match between Rochdale and Scunthorpe.

While most football fans were tuned into the Champions League play-off ties involving Real Madrid and Benfica, as well as Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco, around 3,600 hardcore fans watched the National League clash at the Crown Oil Arena in Greater Manchester.

The away side opened the scoring through Callum Roberts in the 17th minute before Ryan East slotted the home side’s equaliser 15 minutes later.

The match finished 1–1, which saw Rochdale go top of the division while Scunthorpe remain in play-off contention in fifth.

However, the real talking point of the game came earlier in the evening. After Mani Dieservuwe was fouled inside the area, Dale were awarded a penalty.

Dieservuwe stepped up to take the spot-kick before pausing his run-up and walking away, which resulted in an indirect free-kick to Scunthorpe after the away side protested to the referee.

A rather odd turn of events during Rochdale v Scunthorpe… 🤨

Yep, that’s one of the weirder ones we’ve seen in a while. 😅#ROCSCU #NationalLeague pic.twitter.com/McSZa3qvN1

— The Manc (@TheMancUK) February 17, 2026

Everyone inside the ground appeared baffled, including the players. However, the referee made the correct call.

According to the IFAB Laws of the Game, when the referee signals for a penalty to be taken, the kick must be completed. If not, he will officially take disciplinary action.

The rules state: “If the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play and restarts with an indirect free-kick.”

Some fans asked why the player wasn’t simply allowed to retake the spot-kick; however, this would only be permitted if the penalty was initially converted and then disallowed due to feinting.

Fans were quick to offer their thoughts on social media.

One said: “Very bizarre. He looked like he was waiting for the goalie to move first, but he didn't move at all, so he just panicked and gave up, hoping to get another go. He got what he deserved.”

Another added: “Nothing wrong with that bad call. Hadn’t completed his run-up, hadn’t planted his kicking foot, hadn’t started any kind of striking motion, so it should be retaken.”

A third claimed: “If you look at all the footage, the ref moves and holds his hands up, waving them around, and there is a whistle. We were right behind it — he clearly abandons the take. The officials just looked clueless.”

While a fourth commented: “For those discussing different nuances of the law, they seem to be missing the obvious point — until the ball is kicked, it isn’t in play. The correct decision should have been a booking for the kicker and a retake.”