Football
top 10 most controversial referee decisions (updated february 28 2025)
By Amelia Hernandez
Published: 28 Feb 2025
Introduction: The Unforgettable Whistle
Remember that heart-stopping moment? The final seconds of the game, the score tied, and then… that whistle. A controversial call that changed everything. That’s the power of referee decisions, folks. They can make or break a game, ignite fiery debates, and leave fans screaming into their pillows. As a lifelong sports fan (and occasional referee for my kids’ soccer games – let's just say that experience has given me plenty of perspective!), I’ve seen my fair share of controversial calls. So, buckle up, because today, we’re diving into the Top 10 Most Controversial Referee Decisions, updated as of February 28th, 2025. Prepare for some serious debate and maybe a little nostalgia.
sports referee making a controversial call | Image: Supplied
10. The 'Hand of God' (and Other Handballs)
Let's start with a classic. You likely already know this one. The infamous "Hand of God" goal scored by Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England. It remains one of the most debated moments in soccer history. Was it deliberate? Did the ref make the right call (or lack thereof)? That's what we're here to ponder! It's a reminder that sometimes, even the most blatant offenses can slip through the cracks. And sometimes, even the best referees have their off-days. This one still makes my blood boil!
diego maradona hand of god | Image: Supplied
9. The 'Non-Penalty' that Wasn't
Remember that crucial moment in the Champions League semi-final? A clear trip in the box, right? Wrong! The referee, apparently viewing the game from a different dimension, decided it wasn’t a penalty. The uproar was deafening; fans, players, and commentators alike were left speechless. To this day, many argue that this decision unfairly changed the outcome of the match. The lingering question: how could such a blatant foul go unpunished? What a rollercoaster of emotions!
soccer player tripped in penalty box | Image: Supplied
8. The Phantom Goal (It Wasn't There!)
Ah, technology. It's meant to help, right? Not always. In this instance, goal-line technology malfunctioned, failing to register a goal that clearly crossed the line. The confusion and disbelief were palpable. This highlights the importance of reliable technology in ensuring fair play. You've got to be kidding me, right?
goal line technology malfunction | Image: Supplied
7. The Red Card That Wasn't Red Enough
This one involved a questionable red card. Was it a deserving send-off? Or was it a case of a referee letting their emotions get the better of them? The ensuing debate was intense, with passionate arguments on both sides of the issue. I, for one, think it was over the top. It even had my friends arguing it for hours! I still have to take a deep breath thinking about it. Whew.
soccer player receiving a red card | Image: Supplied
6. The Offside Decision That Wasn't
Offside calls can be tricky. Even experienced officials sometimes struggle with them. This particular call involved a very close offside decision, and the ref's call seemed a bit rushed. Fans were split down the middle on this one—some argued the call was fair, while others felt it was a clear error. It was so close, it's a good example of the difficult decisions they have to make. So much pressure!
soccer player in an offside position | Image: Supplied
5. The Missed Foul That Cost the Game
Sometimes, it's not about a controversial call but a missed one entirely. In this game, a blatant foul was missed by the referee, resulting in a goal scored by the opposing team. The result? A game-changing error that left fans questioning the referee's attentiveness and focus. Seriously, what were they looking at?! Was this a conspiracy? Probably not, but it still felt that way.
soccer player being fouled | Image: Supplied
4. The Yellow Card That Should Have Been Red
Here’s another example where a referee’s judgement was called into question. A player committed a violent act, a clear red card offense, but only received a yellow card. It seemed like leniency, but I don't think we can afford it. It's important for the game to be as fair as possible and I feel like this one was not fair at all. This decision sparked a huge backlash from fans who felt it was an unfair and dangerous decision. I completely agree!
soccer player receiving a yellow card | Image: Supplied
3. The Time-Wasting Charade
Time-wasting tactics are a common strategy in many sports. But sometimes, the referee allows too much of it to happen without intervening. This game involved excessive time-wasting by one team, leading to an unfair advantage. It's frustrating to watch, to say the least. I know I was screaming at the screen!
soccer player wasting time | Image: Supplied
2. The Wrong Player Sent Off
This classic blunder involves a referee sending off the wrong player! The confusion and chaos that followed were unbelievable. It's a truly embarrassing mistake that highlights how much pressure these refs are under. It's a reminder that even the best professionals can make errors under intense pressure. One time, I accidentally sent off the right player, but for the wrong reason! Oops!
soccer player mistakenly sent off | Image: Supplied
1. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Controversy
Ah, VAR. It was introduced to help referees make the right decisions, and many times it does. However, it's also caused some of the biggest controversies in recent years. The delays, the over-reliance, the subjective interpretations of the rules - VAR has its flaws. It really is a hot-button topic!
video assistant referee (VAR) screen | Image: Supplied
