Berke Özer: Triple Penalty Heroics
Triple Penalty Drama
In 1999, Argentinean Martin Palermo missed three penalties in a single match against Colombia in Copa America something unheard of in football history. And now on 2nd of October 2025, football have witnessed another wild sequence when Lille goalkeeper saved three penalties in a sequence. Roma was awarded with a penalty in the 85th minute to equalize the match. In a bizarre turn of events, Artem Dovbyk's first and second penalty was saved by Lille's goalkeeper Berke Özer. Referee ordered a retake because of encroachment. Roma changed the penalty taker to Matìas Soulè and his penalty was also saved by Berke Özer. Lille held on to their 1-0 lead to secure a famous victory.
What are the penalty retake rules?
As per the Law 14, IFAB laws of the game, following table summarizes the outcome of a penalty kick.
| Goal | No Goal | |
|---|---|---|
| Encroachment by attacking player |
|
|
| Encroachment by defending player |
|
|
| Encroachment by defending player |
|
|
| Encroachment by defending and attacking player |
|
|
| Offence by goalkeeper | Goal |
|
| Goalkeeper and kicker offend at same time | Indirect free kick and caution for kicker | Indirect free kick and caution for kicker |
| Ball kicked backwards | Indirect free kick | Indirect free kick |
| Illegal feinting | Indirect free kick and caution for kicker | Indirect free kick and caution for kicker |
| Wrong kicker | Indirect free kick and caution for wrong kicker | Indirect free kick and caution for wrong kicker |
For Dvobyk's first penalty, defender of Lille cleared the ball after Özer saved, encroached penalty area. For Dvobyk's second penalty, Özer came off his line before Dvobyk kicked the ball. In both penalties, IFAB rules mandates a retake. For Soulè's penalty, Özer saved it without any infringement.
Lille’s victory won't be remembered here but for the resilience of their goalkeeper, who stood tall under the greatest pressure the game can offer.
