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Kylian Mbappé responds to Madrid Derby referee drama
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé has on Monday spoken publicly for the first time regarding the fallout from yesterday’s Madrid Derby. This of course comes as chatter surrounding the matchup continue...
‘What a joke’: World Cup referee mistake sparks outrage
Sunday afternoon’s FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match between England and Norway was a hard-fought battle that took extra time to decide a victor. However, the match was marred by controversy after what appeared to be a clear referee mistake. On England’s equalizing goal late in the first half, the ball appeared to hit a camera…
Referee announced for Packers’ Week 1 matchup vs. Vikings
Green Bay gets one of the most flag-happy refs for their Week 1 opener against a divisional opponent
Who Is The France vs. Morocco Referee? Meet Facundo Tello
Who is the referee for the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal match between France and Morocco?
BOLOGNA vs. TORINO: GUIDA TO REFEREE
The referees for Matchday 5 of Serie A have been appointed. Saturday’s Bologna vs. Torino will be officiated by Marco Guida of Torre Annunziata, with Baccini and Zanellati as assistant referees. All...
Referees’ reputations are being impugned by politicians. FIFA needs to defend them
Officials just want to do their jobs quietly but when they are targeted by politicians with agendas, they need protecting
'Trafford has just become our most important player overnight'
The momentum of the game changed 180 degrees when the referee incorrectly awarded Chelsea a penalty. Daniel Farke was a bit slow to react to Chelsea's substitutions, allowing them to take control of midfield for a crucial 15-minute period. Leeds regained some of the momentum for their third goal, but Chelsea rode their luck for the late goals.
“That’s the problem” – Sky Sports duo disagree over contentious refereeing call in Liverpool win
The debate as to whether Liverpool should’ve had a penalty awarded to them in their 2-0 win at Ipswich on Friday night continues to rumble on.Shortly before half-time at Portman Road, Cody Gakpo was...
Italy referee chief suspends himself over sports fraud investigation
The man in charge of assigning Serie A and B referees, Gianluca Rocchi, has suspended himself from the role with immediate effect while under investigation for sports fraud by Milan's Public Prosecutor's Office.
Arsenal get controversial referee for Nottingham Forest trip
Michael Oliver is back on Premier League duty this weekend, with the referee handed Arsenal’s trip to Nottingham Forest for his first Gunners involvement of the season.Arsenal visit the City Ground ...
Consider becoming a referee for Iowa school sports
I started officiating in the fall of 1978. My football crew has two gentlemen who are in their 70s. Two gentlemen are in their 50s. And one gentleman is about
Clásico Referee Decision Still Pending After Conflicting Reports
Hernández Hernández was reported to be the frontrunner to referee Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou on October 25, but the appointment had not been officially confirmed. Radio MARCA’s report, ...
Usyk ref had seen enough to end fight before bell
The referee at the centre of the controversial fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven tells a boxing commission he had seen enough to stop the bout in the 11th round before the bell sounded.
Dortmund teenager Karetsas is back in training after health problems in Champions League
Borussia Dortmund says 18-year-old midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas is back in training just over a week after he slumped to the ground in an alarming medical incident on his Champions League debut. Karetsas passed the ball to a teammate then signaled his distress to the referee before sitting on the grass during Dortmund's 3-2 win over Villarreal on Sept. 8. “Konstantinos Karetsas is back in team training as of Wednesday after doing individual sessions at the start of the week,” Dortmund said.
Liverpool vs Man City referee confirmed ahead of Anfield showdown
Chris Kavanagh, from Greater Manchester, is one of England’s elite match officials
2. Bundesliga: Osnabrück deny Kiel first win of the season
The referee Tom Bauer distributed three yellow cards inside the first ten minutes in a physical start to the game. There were two more cautions before the first goal of the game from a penalty-kick.Se...
Western Michigan President Reveals Full Details of Controversial Loss
Western Michigan University remains in a collective state of shock after Saturday’s game against Michigan. The Broncos had the game won, until the referees added one final second back on the clock after a failed Hail Mary attempt from Bryce Underwood.One more second was added and Michigan pulled off the impossible as Underwood threw a […] The post Western Michigan President Reveals Full Details of Controversial Loss appeared first on HEAVY.
Booger McFarland will hold Week 1 game against Michigan in potential CFP debates
The Michigan Wolverines officially get credit for a win over Western Michigan in Week 1, but most of the sports world now believes they were rescued by an improper ruling from referees who put time back on the clock and allowed for a last-second Hail Mary touchdown. The NCAA reportedly will not entertain an appeal…
Columbia Business School professors: What the Balogun red card can teach us about AI and judgment
VAR, or video assistant referee, has a lot to teach us about what "human in the loop" actually means in practice.
FA Cup qualifying tie to be replayed after ref's error
Mulbarton Wanderers are "deeply upset" after being told they must replay their FA Cup qualifying tie with Woodford Town because of a referee's error.
Here's the worst thing about the best World Cup
The video assistant referee (VAR), with its incessant replays and gutting goal reversals, is the worst thing about the best World Cup.
Burcum: Minnesota's most important health care deal in years needed a referee. Ellison volunteered.
The challenging work of brokering a new 10-year deal between a feuding U and Fairview wasn't really in Keith Ellison's job description. But he stepped up anyway, columnist Jill Burcum writes.
NBA fines Lakers guards Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard for interaction with referees after Game 4 loss, Adou Thiero ejection
Announcers, Referees and Jersey Combination for Cardinals Week 2 Game vs. Seahawks
Get the full Week 2 game details for Cardinals vs.
Conor McGregor Says Max Holloway Fight Should Be No Contest
UFC superstar Conor McGregor says that the result of his fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329 should be overturned to a No Contest.McGregor was stopped just 69 seconds into the main event of UFC 329 when his knee gave out on him, and referee Mike Beltran stepped in and called an end to the […] The post Conor McGregor Says Max Holloway Fight Should Be No Contest appeared first on HEAVY.
Ref Watch & Premier League weekend reaction LIVE! Dermot Gallagher assesses the big refereeing decisions
Ref Watch & Premier League weekend reaction LIVE! Dermot Gallagher assesses the big refereeing decisions
‘Same Circus, Different Belt’
Alex Pereira is not a fan of Ciryl Gane. The Brazilian will tell anybody willing to listen how Gane only defeated him because of illegal shots to the back of the head (watch the finish here). He’s campaigned for a rematch and to have referee Herb Dean sacked. Despite Gane having won the first round, […]
🚨 Referees confirmed for Monday's Segunda División matches
Referees have already been appointed for the Segunda División matches on Monday, August 17.The RFEF has assigned Abraham Domínguez, with Raúl M. González on VAR, for the match that kicks off the s...
Football federation provided sexual entertainment for foreign referees: gov't audit
The national football federation apparently provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees before and after international matches held in Korea...
MAC Responds to Controversial Michigan-Western Michigan Finish
The Michigan Wolverines avoided disaster Saturday night with a last-second Hail Mary win over Western Michigan. Yet the final play itself is not what has college football fans talking today.The referees decided to put one second back on the clock after the initial Hail Mary attempt that went out of the end zone as time […] The post MAC Responds to Controversial Michigan-Western Michigan Finish appeared first on HEAVY.
Rules analyst reveals game-changing referee mistake
Earlier this season, the Michigan Wolverines benefited from a controversial replay decision that put one more second on the clock, allowing for one last heave at the end zone, only for governing bodies to later conclude that protocol was not correctly followed. A similar situation happened this week at the FCS level. During Friday night’s…
NFL Referees Association reportedly schedules vote to ratify new CBA after negotiations with NFL previously stalled
VAR will not be used in European play-off final
The Northern Ireland Football League [NIFL] confirms that the video assistant referee [VAR] will not be used during the European play-off final at Windsor Park.
Messi to get mid-game tribute by soccer teams across Argentina after international retirement
Soccer teams across Argentina will pay tribute to Lionel Messi with a mid-game minute of applause during their next match following his decision to retire from international duty. Referees will pause play at the 10-minute mark of every match in the upcoming round of the Clausura tournament, as well as in other men's and women's leagues in Argentina, in appreciation of Messi’s career with the national team, the Argentine Football Association said late Wednesday. The 39-year-old Messi, who wore the No. 10 jersey for Argentina, announced on Monday he will no longer play for the national team after 21 years of service.
Premier League confirm Brighton-Arsenal ref
The Premier League have confirmed their refereeing appointments for the upcoming round of fixtures, including Arsenal’s trip to Brighton & Hove Albion.Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesThe Pre...
Western Michigan Taking Steps to Review Controversial Michigan Finish
Western Michigan suffered a controversial loss Saturday night at the “Big House” against the Michigan Wolverines.Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood threw a Hail Mary out of the end zone as time expired, seemingly giving the MAC school an upset victory for the ages. Instead, the referees added one final second and Underwood responded with a perfect […] The post Western Michigan Taking Steps to Review Controversial Michigan Finish appeared first on HEAVY.
🗞️ The derby row explodes on Monday's front pages
Atlético de Madrid's victory over Real Madrid (2-1) dominates the sports front pages this Monday. A heated derby, marked by José Mourinho's harsh criticism of the refereeing establishment, shares th...
⚖️ Referees' union denounces Florentino Pérez and Real Madrid
The Spanish Association of Football Referees (AESAF) has taken a firm step in defense of the group. The union has filed two complaints with the Anti-Violence Commission, aimed directly at Florentino P...
Caught in 4K trying on the referee's watch 😂
Caught in 4K trying on the referee's watch 😂
Bringing the data to every sideline
MIT PhD student Henry Wang studies how data and technology can improve the way sports are played, analyzed, and refereed. Working in the MIT Sports Lab in collaboration with FIFA, he develops systems with the goals of helping referees make faster, more accurate decisions and expanding access to performance analytics across the globe.
Biggest VAR call ever?
The most consequential decision in the history of the video assistant referee in the Premier League was played out over four minutes 11 seconds of nerve-shredding drama inside London Stadium. Darren England had to pore over the most significant domestic VAR decision since its inception in 2019 before sending referee Chris Kavanagh to the screen. VAR decisions have been important before - but none have been quite so heavy, with the consequences potentially giving Arsenal a decisive push towards their first Premier League title in 22 years, while at the same time sending West Ham towards the Championship.
Celtic Fans Furious With What Referee Did vs St Mirren
Celtic were able to come out with a win against St Mirren away from home but the fans were not happy with what the referee did on the night.
Conor McGregor Trashes Max Holloway For Wanting Fight to End
UFC superstar Conor McGregor trashed rival Max Holloway for wanting the referee in their fight at UFC 329 to end it.McGregor tore his ACL against Holloway in the UFC 329 headliner. The fight went on until Holloway pointed out McGregor’s injury to referee Mike Beltran, who soon stopped the contest.Now, the Irishman is saying he […] The post Conor McGregor Trashes Max Holloway For Wanting Fight to End appeared first on HEAVY.
Rooney praises 'really good' VAR call in Arsenal win
Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes the video assistant referee "did a really good job" in disallowing West Ham's late equaliser against Arsenal.
This Ohio business makes the referee stripes seen on courts across the country
Smitty Officials Apparel in Canton helps sports officials make calls with style.
Was this the season that got away for Glasgow Warriors?
Surrendering a 21-3 lead to the Bulls, when a United Rugby Championship final spot was seemingly within their grasp, was indicative of a season that promised so much and failed to deliver for Glasgow Warriors. When referee Andrew Brace headed to the Bulls posts to award Glasgow a penalty try after the South Africans had illegally halted a maul headed for their line, it looked like the Scots were about to make a statement of intent. At that stage, with 25 minutes on the clock and an 18-point lead, it looked like the Warriors were going to win at a canter.
Foden red card in derby narrowly supported by panel
The Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel has supported Phil Foden's red card in the Manchester derby - but on a split 3:2 vote. The Manchester City midfielder was shown a red card by referee Michael Oliver in the 23rd minute for kicking out at Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. Two panellists "felt that the action lacked the force to reach the threshold for a red card, and would have preferred a yellow".
Atletico hit back at Mourinho over referee complaints
Atletico Madrid hit back at Jose Mourinho after he complained about the refereeing in the Madrid derby.
NFL Referees Association pushes back against 'excessive' suspensions to Adrian Hill, Jeff Seeman
NFL Referees Association ratifies new CBA with NFL; league won't need replacement officials during 2026 season
Argentina 3-2 Egypt: Hossam Hassan says officiating 'unfair' and World Cup 'directed towards' reigning champions
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan criticised refereeing during dramatic 3-2 loss to Argentina in World Cup last 16; Enzo Fernandez scored late header to win game after Egypt had two penalty claims waved away; Hassan said refereeing was unfair; Sky Sports News has approached FIFA for comment
Sports without politics is a fantasy and the World Cup proves it
From ancient Greece to Nazi Germany, sport and politics have long been intertwined. Nevertheless, we still imagine that international sport can be kept above the fray and serve as a neutral arena where nations compete on merit alone. In this article, diplomacy scholar Geoffrey Allen Pigman argues the 2026 FIFA World Cup shows this is a dangerous illusion. When international sport is left entirely to revenue-maximizing private bodies like FIFA, it doesn't escape politics, but rather surrenders to its worst expressions. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics fast approaching, the IOC must decide whether to learn that lesson or repeat the same mistakes. The largest and most lucrative FIFA World Cup ever draws toward its climactic conclusion amidst a swirl of controversy. Team members, staff, fans, and spectators have been denied their right to enter the United States to participate, and US President Donald Trump intervened with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to overturn a referee’s call that Trump believed disadvantaged the US national team. It is a moment to step back and reflect on what the purposes of international sport mega-events like the World Cup, and international sport more broadly, are, and what they should be. Does international sport serve public purposes? Is there a public interest? Or is it primarily a private endeavor organized by commercial enterprises to entertain the global public (and generate profit in the process), which is occasionally used by governments and leaders for raisons d’etat? Central to the idea of sport is the principle of fair play, which in the international context demands that games be free from political interference. However, it is impossible to separate sport from politics, all claims to the contrary notwithstanding. The most positive political use of international sport through the millennia has been to facilitate diplomacy. The use of international sport for diplomatic objectives has existed since at least the time of the ancient Olympic Games, around which was instituted the custom of the Ekecheiria, or Olympic Truce, between participating states to facilitate fair competition and diplomatic achievements by ensuring that participants could travel safely to the Olympiad. In his seminal work On Diplomacy (1987), diplomacy scholar James Der Derian characterized the objectives of diplomacy as overcoming alienation and mediating estrangement between governments and between peoples. One increasingly important diplomatic tool in the technology-infused media environment over the past century has been public diplomacy, under which governments and non-state diplomatic actors (e.g. transnational corporations) communicate to global publics about their international policy objectives and to shape their global brand image. Political scientist Michał Kobierecki, in his important book Sports Diplomacy (2020), views sports diplomacy as falling broadly within the ambit of public diplomacy, as international sport intimately involves the participation of global publics as spectators and consumers of global media. Diplomacy scholar Stuart Murray and this author, in a 2013 article, distinguish between international sport used for diplomatic purposes and international sport-as-diplomacy, which encompasses the range of diplomacy that occurs as teams and competitors, spectators and fans, and government officials all converge for international sporting events like the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup. Diplomacy scholar H.E. Chehabi, in a 2001 article on US-Iran sports diplomacy, describes the interaction between spectators and fans at international sporting events as “people-to-people diplomacy,” in which relationships develop independently of governments and their objectives. Diplomacy by the aforementioned definitions is often unsuccessful. Moreover, all too often the tools of diplomacy may be employed by governments and other actors to thwart or oppose the objectives of diplomacy as characterized by Der Derian. Governments routinely use the tools of public diplomacy to disseminate propaganda, spreading misinformation in the attempt to deceive global publics about their objectives and to create misleading impressions about their brand identity. Within sports diplomacy, the term “sportswashing” has been coined recently to describe how governments invest in and promote international sport to create positive global public impressions of their nations and, in doing so, to distract the global public from their deficient records in areas such as human rights and democratic governance. Murray, in his 2018 book Sports Diplomacy: Origins, Theory and Practice, introduces the concept of sports anti-diplomacy, wherein governments intentionally use international sport to advance aggressive and nationalistic objectives. Obvious historical examples include Hitler’s use of the 1936 Berlin Olympics to glorify his Third Reich and the 1969 El Salvador-Honduras football “war.” SUGGESTED READING The beautiful game made ugly By Emily Ryall FIFA argues that it is and seeks to be apolitical in its stewardship of international Association Football (soccer). FIFA policies governing bids to host the World Cup require uninhibited and non-discriminatory access for players, team staff, and spectators of all participating countries to host nations and venues. It became clear soon after Trump returned to power in the United States in January 2025 that Trump’s political intentions and objectives to limit non-US citizens from living and working in the United States and, in numerous cases, even visiting the country, would collide with FIFA’s host nation policies. Beginning soon after the start of the second Trump administration, US federal authorities imposed restrictions on entry to the United States of citizens of between 20 and 40 countries for any purpose, with only limited exceptions. Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began arresting non-US citizens in the United States, including persons with and without legal status, holding them in jails, concentration camps, and other detention facilities until they were deported to their home or third countries, where they faced substantive risks to their personal safety. FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, in an effort to ensure the most successful and lucrative World Cup in history, engaged diplomatically with President Trump in an attempt to facilitate entry to the US for World Cup participants. Infantino did all in his power to ingratiate himself with Trump, to the extent of creating a FIFA “Peace Prize,” which he awarded to Trump in December 2025 at a ceremony in the then Trump-controlled John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on the occasion of the World Cup draw. The prize was an ersatz consolation for someone who aspired in vain to win the rather more prestigious and well-known Nobel Peace Prize. And in the run-up to the World Cup, conditions became worse. In February 2026, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a war of aggression against Iran, illegal under international law, under the false pretence that Iran’s government was preparing to attack the United States and Israel. During the US aerial bombardment of Iran, US planes bombed Azadi Stadium, the facility where Iran’s national football team trained. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup began, it was clear that Infantino’s efforts had been for naught: the Trump administration would not adhere to FIFA policies governing access to World Cup host nations. World Cup referee Omar Artan, a citizen of Somalia, was denied a US visa to enter the United States to participate in the World Cup. Trump’s government only granted US visas to Iran’s football team ten days before they were scheduled to arrive for the tournament. Numerous members of the support staff for Iran’s team were denied US visas. Iran’s team, which had been scheduled to train in Arizona, was directed to shift its training site to Tijuana, Mexico, notwithstanding that all three of their group stage matches took place at US venues. The US Department of Homeland Security only permitted the Iranian team to enter the US on the day before each scheduled match and then to return to Mexico immediately after playing. Members of Iraq’s and Switzerland’s football teams were delayed for hours by US officials at the US border, and an Iraqi team photographer was refused entry. Spectators and fans from Haïti and Iran were denied entry to the United States altogether. A large number of fans from a range of countries had their applications for US visas rejected. There were multiple off-ramps through which participants could have avoided the negative consequences of Trump’s decisions for the 2026 World Cup. Once it was clear that the Trump government intended to violate the established expectations for World Cup hosts, FIFA could have shifted the matches scheduled to take place in the United States to Mexico and Canada. The three nations were already designated as co-hosts, and host cities and venues had been selected. Once it was clear that FIFA, governed by FIFA boss Gianni Infantino’s dependent and dysfunctional relationship with Trump, would never consider this option on its own, it fell to the national football federations to act. The national federations, particularly some combination of federations of the leading contenders (France, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Morocco, England, Germany, etc.), could have refused to participate under the US-imposed conditions or, at the least, demanded an ironclad agreement with the Trump government that FIFA policies on access would be respected. ___ International sport is inextricably entangled with diplomacy of different sorts, for good or ill, it cannot be considered to be in the purely private realm and left to revenue-maximizing private actors. ___ Why did neither FIFA nor the national football federations act to protect the interests of players, team staff, referees, fans, and spectators? In essence, the relentless engines of capitalism prevailed over norm observance, ethics, and fair play. The revenue interests of FIFA, sponsors, global media, and host cities won out. FIFA’s managers viewed hosting another World Cup principally in the United States as a veritable pot of gold for FIFA and its collaborators. FIFA has estimated its own revenue over the 2023-26 budget cycle, which includes the 2026 World Cup, at $13 billion, revised up from an initial projection of $11 billion, and 72% higher than the previous revenue cycle. Of that total, FIFA is estimated to have generated $8.9 billion from the Cup itself in revenue from TV rights ($3.92 billion), sponsorships ($2.69 billion), ticket sales ($3.1 billion), licensing rights, and other sources. A joint study by FIFA and the World Trade Organization estimates that the World Cup will contribute over $40 billion to global GDP, including nearly $14 billion in direct visitor spending in the three host countries (but principally in the United States, which hosted the lion’s share of the matches). The FIFA World Cup is now reportedly “the single most lucrative recurring commercial property in global sport.” And yet, notwithstanding the Trump government’s uses of the World Cup for sports anti-diplomacy, and the climate of anxiety that this created for participants and spectators, diplomacy that did not depend upon governments was able to thrive at the World Cup. Examples of successful people-to-people diplomacy were legion, as citizens of towns and cities across the States, as well as in Mexico and Canada, welcomed team members, their families and supporters, to training sites across North America. Fans of different teams joined together in person in stadiums for matches, at watch parties and bars, and at welcome events sponsored by host cities. The joy and camaraderie shared between the citizenry of Boston and Scotland’s “Tartan Army” of fans is but one example of how the “Beautiful Game” brings people together. Friendships forged across continents are likely to endure well beyond the Cup final. Even those achievements cannot be seen as unalloyed, however. As South African football fan Byron Pillay commented to Al Jazeera, “Football is called the Beautiful Game for a reason, for its ability to unite people. But it’s hard to believe in that magic with the politics and war rhetoric off the field of play, especially when one of the tournament hosts is central to that.” Ultimately, the experience of the 2026 FIFA World Cup illustrates that, as international sport is inextricably entangled with diplomacy of different sorts, for good or ill, it cannot be considered to be in the purely private realm and left to revenue-maximizing private actors. As long as there is the possibility of diplomatic progress in mediating estrangement between governments or between peoples, there is a broad and overarching public interest in international sport. Likewise, as it would be difficult to put on an international sport mega-event without international sporting organizations like FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), global media firms, and companies purchasing sponsorships, public and private interests in international sport must coexist, most likely somewhere on a shifting spectrum between partnership and rivalry or cross purposes. As the World Cup wraps up, the IOC needs to consider its lessons before the scheduled 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if they want to avoid a media-hyped Trump version of the 1936 Berlin Olympiad. The IOC and the National Olympic Committees need to set conditions on and make demands of Trump’s government with clearly articulated consequences for non-compliance, up to and including cancellation of the Games. Time is running out for the IOC, as unlike with the FIFA World Cup, there is no at-the-ready alternate venue for Los Angeles.
KFA accused of providing sexual entertainment to foreign referees before 2011 matches
According to the broadcaster, the Korea Football Association used corporate cards to provide sexual entertainment to referees before multiple international matches in 2011.
Stuttgart slam VAR as injured Stiller frets over Germany call
VfB Stuttgart have heavily criticized the video assistant referee (VAR) for not helping award them a penalty in Saturday's 2-1 Bundesliga defeat at Hoffenheim. Midfielder Angelo Stiller was struck on the knee in the box by defender Ozan Kabak midway through the first half.
Amateur sports the latest frontier in NJ independent contractor fight
Sports officials are pushing for a law declaring referees and umpires independent contractors amid a broader worker classification fight.
Sporting justice dismissed Rocchi and referee influence investigation
As expected, the sporting justice system has also shelved the investigation into Gianluca Rocchi and referees, confirming no direct contact with clubs including Inter.The scandal had at first seemed t...
Arsenal want explanation over penalty awarded to Sunderland
Arsenal will seek an explanation from Pro Ref for the penalty awarded against them in their Premier League win at Sunderland. Manager Mikel Arteta described referee John Brooks’ decision to penalize Ezri Konsa for an adjudged foul on Dan Ballard, with VAR not intervening, as “unacceptable”.
📜 Flu slams refereeing after Fla derby: Encouraging foul play
On Sunday (11), Fluminense lost 1–0 to Flamengo at the Maracanã in Round 30 of the Brasileirão.After the derby, the Tricolor Carioca published an official statement on its social media channels sh...
Politics and the pitch
UD political science professor combines academics and hobby as a soccer referee
Real Madrid's take on the match: dreadful refereeing decided derby
Real Madrid has sparked controversy after losing 2-1 to Atlético de Madrid at the Metropolitano. The club used the official match report on its website to issue a forceful complaint, explicitly headl...
Arteta confirms Arsenal Pro Ref meeting
Mikel Arteta said Arsenal used the meeting to discuss the decision and wider refereeing issues after Dan Ballard was awarded a penalty against Ezri Konsa.Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty ImagesMikel Arte...
KFA apologizes over sexual entertainment allegations involving foreign referees
The Korea Football Association said it was “deeply sorry” for its actions in the early 2010s, as a police raid and wider scrutiny of its former president and national team coach have ratcheted up the pressure for changes at the organization.
ESPN announcers incredulous over LaMelo Ball non-travel
The NBA season saw it’s first full night of action on Wednesday with most of the league’s teams playing their first game of the season. That meant we got our first look at LaMelo Ball teaming up with Anthony Edwards for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Our first look at NBA refereeing was a reminder that we…
EPA is sidelining its independent chemical referee – and that endangers public health
The move reshapes how future assessments of chemical dangers will be carried out, and if they’ll be ignored, delayed or understated to benefit industry.
World Cup final referee Slavko Vincic retires days after controversial Spain vs Argentina clash
Vincic took charge of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina last weekend
Mike Vrabel, referee explain heated exchange that led to penalty
Head coach Mike Vrabel was given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty during the Patriots' win over the Bills.
👊 When they screw me over...: Falcioni slams the refereeing
Atlético Tucumán head coach Julio César Falcioni made harsh accusations against the refereeing after the defeat to River Plate. The experienced manager expressed his outrage over decisions he belie...
La Liga chief dismisses Real's ref conspiracy claims
La Liga president Javier Tebas says claiming there is a refereeing conspiracy against Real Madrid is like "living in another galaxy".
Argyle boss Cleverley unhappy with refereeing calls
Plymouth Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley may discuss decisions which have gone against his side with the refereeing authorities.
Brentford analysis: Schade haunts Cherries again
Kevin Schade scored a hat-trick in the 4-1 win against Bournemouth last December and was their tormentor again on Saturday. With the score at 1-1 deep into first-half stoppage time, the Bees were convinced they had a penalty as Kristoffer Ajer's shot struck Adrien Truffert's arm, but referee Jarred Gillett deemed the defender to be too close to react and waved away the appeals.
Arsenal to contact Pro Ref over Konsa penalty
Arsenal will contact refereeing body Pro Ref over the incident that saw Ezri Konsa concede a penalty in Saturday's win over Sunderland.
Part of the referees' point of emphasis this season …
Part of the referees' point of emphasis this season …
NFL admits game-changing referee mistake
Throughout the week in the NFL, there are often some controversial referee decisions that ultimately prove pivotal to the result of a game. But following this most recent week of NFL action, the league has actually admitted that the officials made a mistake on one pivotal call. During Sunday’s game between the Los Angeles Rams…
FIFA World Cup referee also runs insurance advisory business
Serious offence allegations against match officials are rising globally, underlining why referee cover exists
O'Neill left 'baffled' by refereeing in late win
Michael O'Neill has said he was "baffled" by some of the refereeing decisions in Friday's 1-0 win in Georgia in the Nations League.
🚨 River v Rosario Central line-ups confirmed
What a match in Argentina! River Plate and Rosario Central face off tonight to decide the Professional League semifinal, a clash that comes in red-hot after the refereeing controversy in Canalla’s q...
🎥 Pitch completely flooded! Referee still considers kicking off
This has to be satire. Or so you might think when you watch the following clip from Spain’s fourth division. A match there was called off last weekend due to severe flooding in the region. But that ...
Football association apologizes amid claims it provided sexual entertainment for foreign referees
The national football association apologized Saturday over allegations that it provided sexual entertainment to foreign referees before and after i...
Letters: Planned White House visit causing a stir among Dodger fans
Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sports section give their thoughts on the Dodgers' planned visit to the White House, the Angels and VAR (video assistant referee).
Gasperini booked for protesting Colombo’s decision
Roma dominated the first half, but failed to find the back of the net. Gian Piero Gasperini was extremely frustrated, and in the closing stages he became furious with referee Colombo, who, according t...
Letters to Sports: Planned White House visit causing a stir among Dodger fans
Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sports section give their thoughts on the Dodgers' planned visit to the White House, the Angels and VAR (video assistant referee).
Senate referee rules against some Trump ballroom funding, Democrats say
The push to secure federal dollars for President Donald Trump’s ballroom security just got more difficult on Capitol Hill.
Draymond Green Blames One Factor for Knicks’ Loss to Spurs
The New York Knicks had the chance to gain major momentum with a Game 3 win; however, the San Antonio Spurs did enough to claim their first victory of the 2026 NBA Finals. While the win remained the highlight of the night, another major storyline centered around the referees, which even caught Draymond Green’s attention. The Knicks lost to the Spurs in the first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999.
Real submit 'substantial' dossier in Barca payments case
Real Madrid have sent Uefa "evidence of extraordinary gravity" relating to payments made by Barcelona to a former vice-president of Spain's referees' committee.
Craig Pawson Appointed Referee for Aston Villa vs Brentford
Craig Pawson will referee Brentford's Premier League trip to Aston Villa on Saturday, with Peter Bankes on VAR duty at Villa Park.
Jose Mourinho talks Negreira Case and ‘bad luck’ with referees
The Special One has shared his own very special thoughts.
Former ref explains Arsenal-Chelsea red-card decision
Dermot Gallagher has backed the referee’s decision not to send off Gabriel Magalhaes for a kick to Emi Martinez’s head, explaining that the defender got the ball.Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty ImagesA...
Referee appointment for Spain vs Portugal confirmed
The referee chosen to take charge of the upcoming showdown between Spain and Portugal has on Saturday evening been confirmed.The official primed to oversee proceedings at Dallas Stadium? Anthony Taylo...
‘Dreadful’ – Real Madrid release official statement on Madrid Derby officiating
La Liga giants Real Madrid have on Sunday released a statement, making clear their absolute disillusionment with the standard of refereeing in the Madrid Derby.The subject of officiating has of course...
Kerjota transformative - but has he earned a start?
If Hearts' mentality was in question after that late collapse against Aberdeen just over a month ago, Sunday's stoppage-time winner from Sabah Kerjota offered a pretty emphatic response. This was a side showing the resilience Wouter Vrancken is trying to build. VAR Andrew Dallas intervened in two major incidents missed by referee Chris Graham, while the introduction of supersub Sabah transformed hope into genuine belief.
Jaylen Brown fined again by NBA for latest ref complaints from Celtics' Game 7 loss
Brown accused officials of having an "agenda" against him and even declared that referees told him as much.
Midnight Mania! Timid Referees ‘Hurting The Sport’ Must Be Held Accountable
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🔥 Fiery Madrid derby! Atlético star lucky after horror tackle
In the Madrid derby, things got heated almost as expected. Just six minutes in, Atlético coach Diego Simeone was shown a yellow card after protesting too aggressively to the referee.Shortly before ha...
📋 Vasco and Coritiba named for Brasileirão 2026 clash
It’s Brasileirão night at São Januário.Vasco and Coritiba face off from 8:30 p.m. (Brasília time).A clash valid for Matchday 28 of the competition.Bráulio da Silva Machado (SC) is the referee.A...
Japan football association investigates four referees over KFA sexual entertainment allegations
The JFA is investigating four Japanese referees linked to matches cited in allegations that the KFA provided sexual entertainment to foreign officials in 2011 and 2012.
Who Are The Referees For France vs. Spain?
Ivan Barton of El Salvador will be the head official between France vs. Spain in Dallas.
'The fan experience has certainly been ruined'
Lower down this page you can see Forest fan Ellie Molloson explain she's sometimes "scared" to celebrate a goal given VAR can intervene. Richard: Not that it makes any difference now, but 'clear and Obvious' never came into this decision from either VAR or the referee.
Erling Haaland's Father Rips FIFA Referee After Norway Loss
The England-Norway game wasn't without some serious controversy and while Erling Haaland himself will take it all in stride, his father doesn't have to.
Wisconsin works to combat shortage of youth sports officials as experienced referees retire
A shortage of youth sports officials forces Wisconsin schools to reschedule games to find available refereeing crews that end up working even more.
VAR is not the problem, the people running it are
The shocking VAR mistake in the Manchester derby, allowing Erling Haaland’s winning goal, will renew calls for the system to be scrapped. After all, without it, the correct decision was effectively made – the assistant referee raised his flag for offside – and we would not have had the seemingly interminable wait while the incident was reviewed and reviewed and reviewed and the right call was inexplicably overturned.