Refereeing Decisions Gone Wrong

Are referees actually helpful in Football? Do they enforce the rules as we want them to? Do they do a good job? Well, I would say that they’re alright. Alright. You see, some terrible refereeing decisions have really changed how things panned out, especially in World Cups.

Here are some of the more infamous decisions from over the years:

Hand Of God: 1986 

In the second half, Diego Maradona of Argentina punched the ball into the net. Unfortunately, the only person who didn’t see the punch was the referees, and despite the protests of the England players, the goal stood. After the game, it was revealed that Maradona did cheat and used his hand. There was no VAR, so the referee didn’t have backup support.

“The Ghost Goal”: 2010

24 years after Maradona’s Hand Of God, England played Germany. The score was 1-1, when Frank Lampard’s shot clanged the crossbar, went in, then went out. There was no goal line technology back in 2010, and the referee did not allow the goal. Germany eventually won 4-1 and knocked out England. But the “Ghost Goal” introduced Goal Line Technology and started initiatives for VAR.

The Hand Of God 2: 2009

France was playing the Republic of Ireland in a World Cup Qualifier. The Irish were playing brilliantly, winning 1-0 and 1-1 on Aggregate, forcing it to Extra Time. However, in the 103^rd minute, a French Free Kick sailed into the Irish box. Thierry Henry then used his hand twice and William Gallas headed the ball into the net. Ireland players swarmed the referee, as he had given the goal. That proved to be the winning goal to send France to South Africa for the World Cup at Ireland’s expense. The FA of Ireland demanded a replay and legal action, which was rejected by FIFA. However, it was later revealed that the FAI (Football Association of Ireland) were paid €5 million to wrap up legal terms. 

The Weirdest Foul In The World: 1982

France played Germany in the semi finals of the 1982 World Cup. In the 57^th minute, Michel Platini launched the ball forward to Patrick Battisson, who chipped the ball just wide of the goal. That wasn’t the point however. Battison was running so fast that he couldn’t stop, and the German Goalkeeper: Schumacher. Raced out to infamously and intentionally dived with his forearm and hip aimed straight at Battisson’s face. And the Frenchman was knocked out cold: unconscious, lost 3 teeth, had a coma, and suffered a damaged vertebrate. And most shocking: the referee didn’t see the foul and awarded a German Goal Kick. Schumacher was not penalised or carded, and innocently didn’t apologise or help Battisson and stood around chewing gum. Germany won the game on penalties and progressed to the final to lose to Italy. Later, Schumacher apologised to Battisson and he was reconciled. 

So as we arrive in the 2026 World Cup, let’s hope the refs live up the standard and don’t make stupid descions!