Everyone makes mistakes. Even referees. The human factor is the cause of scandals, insults, and legends. Sometimes a referee's mistake changes the history of sports. How should we react to this? Can mistakes be eliminated? We tell you about the nature of mistakes, their consequences, and how technology is changing the rules of the game.

Why Referees Make Mistakes

Physiology: the speed of the ball exceeds 100 km/h, the eye cannot keep up. Field of view: the referee may be blocked by players. Fatigue: concentration drops by the end of the match. Psychology: pressure from the stands, the authority of players (Maradona deceived the referee with the "hand of God"). Bias (unconscious): sympathy for a certain team. Corruption (deliberate).

Referees are people, not robots.

Famous Referee Mistakes

"The Hand of God" (1986): Maradona scored with his hand, the referee counted it. England was eliminated. 1990: World Cup final, Argentina vs. Germany, a penalty that did not exist. 2002: South Korea vs. Italy, controversial decisions in favor of the hosts. 2010: England vs. Germany, Lampard's goal was not counted (the ball crossed the line). 2022: Argentina vs. Netherlands, controversial cards. Mistakes happen at every tournament.

Due to mistakes, teams have lost titles.

How Referees Prepare

Physical training: running 10-12 km per match, sprints. Study of rules: seminars, exams. Review of matches: watching mistakes. Psychological training: stress resistance. Interaction with assistants: fast communication. But even the best make mistakes.

Referee Kim Chon Mi (Korea) said, "Every referee knows that a mistake will cost him his career."

How to Combat Mistakes

VAR (video assistance) has reduced the number of mistakes by 40%. Semi-automatic offside (AI) — another 10%. A challenge is planned to be introduced (teams can request a video review 1-2 times per match). Life-long suspension for corruption. Plus: fewer mistakes. Minus: referees are less confident in themselves.

Perfection is unattainable.

The human factor is the essence of sports. As long as people play, mistakes will happen. But technology helps to minimize them. The main thing is that the mistake is not deliberate.

Permanent link to this publication: