Game Changers: 18 Most Controversial Referee Calls that Altered the Course of Battle
In the world of competitive sports, referees hold a position of great responsibility. Their decisions can make or break a game, and in some instances, even change the course of sports history.
Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" (1986
The 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England is remembered for one of the most controversial goals in football history. Diego Maradona punched the ball into the net, a clear violation of the rules.
The Phantom Punch (1965
In the world of boxing, few calls have been as controversial as the one made during the heavyweight championship fight between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston in 1965. The referee counted Liston out after what appeared to be a light punch from Ali, leading to Ali's victory.
The Tuck Rule Game (2002
The 2002 AFC Divisional playoff game between the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders featured a controversial application of the "tuck rule." The referees overturned a fumble by Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady, ruling it an incomplete pass instead. This decision allowed the Patriots to maintain possession, leading to a game-tying field goal and an eventual victory in overtime.
The Fifth Down (1990
In a 1990 college football game between Colorado and Missouri, Colorado was mistakenly given a fifth down by the referees. They scored a touchdown on this extra play, leading to a 33-31 victory.
The Infield Fly Rule (2012
In the 2012 National League Wild Card Game, a controversial application of the "infield fly rule" led to a crucial out for the Atlanta Braves. The decision by the umpires sparked outrage among fans and players, leading to a protest and a delay in the game.
The Disallowed Goal (2004
During the 2004 UEFA Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Monaco, a goal by Chelsea's Eidur Gudjohnsen was disallowed by the referee for an alleged handball. The decision was highly controversial, with many believing it was the wrong call.
The Phantom Foul (1998
During the 1998 NBA playoffs, a controversial foul call on Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls allowed the Utah Jazz to win Game 6 of the series. The call, which many believe was incorrect, has been dubbed the "Phantom Foul" and has sparked ongoing debates about the influence of referees on the outcomes of games.
The Golden Goal (2000
In the 2000 European Championship semi-final between Italy and Holland, a "golden goal" by Italy was disallowed by the referee for offside. The decision was highly controversial, with many believing it was the wrong call.
The Perfect Game That Wasn't (2010
In a 2010 game between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians, pitcher Armando Galarraga was one out away from a perfect game when a controversial call by the umpire cost him his place in history. The call, which replays showed was incorrect, sparked significant controversy and led to calls for the use of instant replay in baseball.
The Handball That Wasn't Called (2009
In a 2009 World Cup qualifier between France and Ireland, a handball by French player Thierry Henry led to a crucial goal. The referee did not call the handball, leading to France's victory and sparking significant controversy. T
The Disallowed Try (2007
During the 2007 Rugby World Cup final between England and South Africa, a try by England's Mark Cueto was disallowed by the referee for a foot in touch. The decision was highly controversial, with many believing it was the wrong call.
The Yellow Card That Wasn't (2006
In the 2006 World Cup final between Italy and France, French player Zinedine Zidane was sent off for headbutting Italian player Marco Materazzi. However, the referee did not initially see the incident and only issued the red card after consulting with the assistant referee. T
The No Goal (1999
During the 1999 Stanley Cup finals, a controversial goal by the Dallas Stars led to their victory over the Buffalo Sabres. The goal, scored in overtime of Game 6, appeared to be in violation of the NHL's crease rule.
The Disallowed Goal (2010
During the 2010 World Cup match between England and Germany, a goal by England's Frank Lampard was disallowed by the referee despite the ball clearly crossing the line. The decision was highly controversial and led to calls for the use of goal-line technology in football.
The No Call (2019
In the 2019 NFC Championship Game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams, a blatant pass interference by the Rams went uncalled by the referees. The decision, or lack thereof, allowed the Rams to tie the game and eventually win in overtime, sparking significant controversy and leading to changes in how pass interference is reviewed in the NFL.
The Timekeeper Error (1972
In the 1972 Olympic basketball final between the United States and the Soviet Union, a controversial decision by the timekeeper led to the Soviets being given extra time to score a winning basket. The decision, which the United States team has never officially accepted, has sparked ongoing debates about the fairness and integrity of international sports competitions.
The Decision That Changed Boxing (1988
In the 1988 Summer Olympics, a controversial decision in the boxing match between Roy Jones Jr. and Park Si-Hun led to Park being awarded the gold medal despite Jones seemingly dominating the fight.
As we've seen, referee decisions can have a profound impact on the outcome of games and even the course of sports history. These 18 controversial calls have sparked debates, led to rule changes, and left fans, players, and analysts questioning the fairness and integrity of sports.
