HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 11: Ana Lucia Martinez #9 of Guatemala celebrates her first half penalty kick goal with her teammate Jennifer Munoz #8 during their game against Trinidad & Tobago during the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying at BBVA Compass Stadium on February 11, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Sometimes you just have to take matters into your own hands. If a referee is not going to blow a ball that is clearly out dead, then maybe force her hand. That had to be what a Trinidad and Tobago defender was thinking when she picked up a live ball in the 16th minute of her team’s match against Guatemala in CONCACAF Olympic qualifying. Unfortunately, the referee did not agree with her application of the rules.

Instead of a Trinidad and Tobago goal kick, Guatemala was awarded a penalty kick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzLgd80RBFs

“I was right there,” said Trinidad captain Maylee Attin-Johnson told orangeintheoven.com. “The ball was clearly out.”

The replay shows the ball was clearly out of bounds, but without an assistant referee on the goal line, it could have been difficult for the referee to see, which is why the old saying “play until you hear the whistle” was invented.

Ana Lucia Martinez buried the PK for Guatemala, but the shaky call did not determine the ultimate outcome of the game, thanks to two goals by Trinidad and Tobago in the 74th and 78th minutes. Neither team has ever qualified for the Olympics, and the qualifying tournament marches on for both squads. Trinidad and Tobago will take on Canada Sunday afternoon, while Guatemala faces off against Guyana in a Valentine’s Day doubleheader.

About Ben Sieck

Ben is a recent graduate of Butler University where he served as Managing Editor and Co-Editor-in-Chief for the Butler Collegian. He currently resides in Indianapolis.