ball strikes flag stick in 4-ball format

Question
Mike

A & B are partners in a 4-ball better ball format.
Whilst on the putting green A has to putt first , and B removes the flag from the hole and puts in down on the green. Unfortunately A's ball whilst putting, strikes the flag. What is the penalty please?
Also what would have happened if B, seeing that the ball is going to strike the flag, lifts up the flag?
Grateful your views please
Rgd

Jam Soonawalla
Muscat, Oman

Answer
Jam,

If the ball strikes the flag as a player putts from on the green the penalty is two strokes.

Not sure on the second question but I'd say that if player B lifts the flag that is lying on the green it would not be a penalty. 85% sure of this.

Thanks,

Michael Hoffman
PGA Professional