Referees provide essential services in sports events because they protect fairness while they apply the set game rules. The direction of history transformed when referees allowed mistakes made during their officiating duties either because of incorrect calls or because of outside pressure or technological deficiencies. The following list presents select highly debatable calls made by referees which generated ongoing discussions among fans.
1. Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” (1986 World Cup)
The first goal Diego Maradona scored against England became eternally infamous when he used his hand to put the ball past the goalkeeper during the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals.
• What Happened? Maradona differentiated his goal by punching the ball toward the net though the referee failed to notice the illegal handball and validated the score.
The World Cup finals victory resulted from their 2-1 victory as Maradona solidified his international football legend.
The lack of goal reversal after handball evidence viewed in replays generated substantial controversy about this match.
2. The 2010 FIFA World Cup – Frank Lampard’s Ghost Goal
The world watched as England took on Germany in the Round of 16 during the 2010 World Cup and one specific play remains eternally irritating to fans of the English team.
• What Happened? The shot by Lampard hit the goal crossbar before bouncing over the goal line as both officials failed to recognize the score.
The English team would have achieved a 2-2 scoreline but later lost 4-1 when the goal did not count.
At that time the absence of goal-line technology escalated to such importance that FIFA promptly accepted this technological solution.
3. Thierry Henry’s Handball Against Ireland (2009 World Cup Qualifier)
The qualification stage of France for the World Cup in 2009 became a major issue when Thierry Henry deliberately used his hand to control a ball before setting up the decisive goal.
• What Happened? During the France vs Ireland playoff match the game winner emerged when William Gallas scored but before that Thierry Henry took possession of the ball using his hand.
After Ireland failed to gain their spot in the World Cup France qualified for the competition.
The match review process following official observation of deliberate handball became a subject of immense public debate. Explore the biggest referee controversies in sports-download the 1xBet App BD.
4. 1972 Olympic Basketball Final – USA vs. USSR
The 1972 basketball final between USA and USSR at the Olympics produced the most controversial ending in Olympic history.
• What Happened? The game restarted multiple times during the closing period until the USSR scored its victory basket with time seeming to have already run out.
The USSR defeated the USA 51-50 in the final thus becoming the first team to defeat the American team in Olympic history.
The USA team disqualified themselves from the silver medal competition because they thought the contest was unfairly adjudicated.
5. During the 1988 Olympics in Seoul Park Si-Hun fought against Roy Jones Jr.
A terrible case of boxing judging bias occurred during the seleucn Olympics in 1988.
• What Happened? During their bout at the 1988 Olympics Roy Jones Jr. delivered thrice as many punches than his opponent Park Si-Hun who hails from South Korea.
Park won the judges’ approval for the gold even though he lost to Jones Jr leading to massive international condemnation.
The official revealed that political pressure affected the decision years after the event.
6. The 2002 FIFA World Cup – South Korea’s Controversial Run
South Korea surprised everyone by reaching the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup while enduring different forms of sports controversy.
• What Happened? During their fixtures against Italy and Spain the South Korean team received multiple disallowed goals together with soft fouls from referees.
Italy and Spain were eliminated from competition and fans formed theories about biased referees mediating the game.
Multiple stakeholders question the tournament fairness because they believe referees were showing biases toward the Asian nation as the host team.
The Lasting Impact of Controversial Calls
Sports history has changed direction because of decisive officiating decisions both intentional and unintentional. The implementation of VAR and goal-line technology has cut down errors but persistent controversies continue to surface. Each decisive choice made by officials transforms careers while reshaping historical narratives while creating enduring fan arguments throughout several decades.
