10 worst refereeing decisions
Throughout the history of the game, complaining about referees is the one constant that fans of every team can agree on.
As the game progressed, the match officials came under increasing scrutiny, as managers, players and even pundits blamed the referee for something they missed during the game or a wrong call.
Judges are human and mistakes happen. With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at some of the worst refereeing mistakes.
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10
Germany v England, 2010
Referee: Jorge Larrionda
England fans, look away. Referee Jorge Larrionda made a terrible decision to disallow Frank Lampard’s goal against Germany at the 2010 World Cup.
The clash between England and Germany was a Round of 16 match in South Africa, with the winners hoping to progress to the quarter-finals. With the Three Lions 2-1 down, Lampard caught Manuel Neuer off guard, hitting the crossbar before clearing the line.
The players protested before Germany scored two more goals to send the English in their place. It will go down as one of the worst decisions in World Cup history.
9
Werder Bremen v Hannover, 1975
Referee: Wolf-Dieter Ahlenfelder
It might not be as big a mistake as others on this list, but Wolf-Dieter Ahlenfelder made a puzzling decision during his third Bundesliga game.
In a match between Werder Bremen and Hannover in 1975, the referee blew for half-time after just 32 minutes, before the linesman intervened. He only got to 43 minutes before going on the break.
reason? He said he drank brandy and beer before the game, claiming “We’re men, we don’t drink fanta”.
8
Luis Diaz vs Tottenham, 2023
VAR official: Darren England
During a Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in October 2023, VAR assistant referee Darren England made a big mistake when he ruled Luis Diaz’s goal, despite being on the sidelines.
PGMOL released an audio recording after the game, saying the error was a “lapse in concentration and loss of focus”.
The Anfield side eventually lost the game 2-1, finishing with just nine men on the pitch, a decision that drew the ire of Jürgen Klopp, who has not shied away from calling out terrible match decisions.
7
Chelsea vs Barcelona, 2009
Referee: Tom Henning Ovrebo
The second leg of the 2009 Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona will be remembered as a match referee Tom Henning Ovrebo will not forget.
He saved four penalties against a Spanish side, then managed by Pep Guardiola, before Andrés Iniesta scored a late goal to seal their place in the final at the expense of the Blues.
“Some days you’re not at the level you should be at. I can’t be proud of that performance,” he said subsequently added after the match. Tell that to the Chelsea fans.
6
South Korea v Italy, 2002
Referee: Byron Moreno
Byron Moreno’s string of woeful decisions led to Italy’s elimination by South Korea in the last 16 of the 2002 World Cup, making him one of the most hated men in Italy.
The list of errors included Francesco Totti being sent off for diving when a penalty should have been awarded, Damian Tommasi’s goal being disallowed for offside in extra time and Hwang Sun-hong being shown a yellow instead of a red for a heavy challenge, which he later admitted was the wrong decision.
Ahn Jung-Hwan scored the winner four minutes before the end, and then he was fired by his clubPerugia. it’s fair to say they didn’t concede the goal well.
5
Mali vs Tunisia, 2021
Referee: Janny Sikazwe
The Africa Cup of Nations always provides entertaining moments, but during the 2021 edition, referee Janny Sikazwe made a name for himself.
In the match between Mali and Tunisia, Sikazwe played the final whistle in the 85th and 89th minutes, which caused great confusion among the players who went to the dressing room prematurely for the second time.
They were ordered to finish the game, but Tunisia refused to return to the field, and the result stands in one of the most bizarre moments in the competition’s history.
4
Argentina v England, 1986
Referee: Ali Bin Nasser
More trouble for England again. During the 1986 World Cup quarter-final between England and Argentina, Ali Bin Nasser did not notice that Diego Maradona had scored with his hand.
He later blamed his assistant for not spotting Maradona handballing the ball into the net in what is commonly referred to as the ‘Hand of God’ goal.
3
Chelsea v Arsenal, 2014
Referee: Andre Marriner
Towards the end of the 2013/14 season. Chelsea inflicted a heavy 6-0 defeat on Arsenal, but that is not what will be remembered from the clash at Stamford Bridge.
The penalty was awarded after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain deflected Eden Hazard’s shot around the post with his hand, but the referee sent off teammate Kieran Gibbs instead. Marriner later claimed to be “disappointed” make such a mistake.
2
West Germany v France, 1982
Referee: Charles Corver
Patrick Battiston rushes the ball against West Germany during the 1982 World Cup semi-final, seemingly ready to score.
Seconds later, he is lying on the floor with three broken teeth, cracked ribs and damaged vertebrae after goalkeeper Toni Schumacher ran to stop the Frenchman by any means possible, hitting him with brute force.
Goodbye, sure? No, referee Charles Corver missed the whole incident and thus allowed the goaltender to continue the game. It remains one of the most scandalous moments of the World Cup.
1
Croatia vs. Australia, 2006
Referee: Graham Poll
During the match between Croatia and Australia at the 2006 World Cup, English referee Graham Poll somehow awarded defender Josip Šimunić three yellow cards, ending any chance he had of refereeing the final.
This glaring error meant the Englishman had to pack his bags as he was sent home from the tournament, ruining his reputation in the process.
What a mistake to make when the eyes of the world are on you.