Football is a game of passion, skill, and emotions, and while players and managers often grab the headlines, referees have played an equally pivotal role in shaping the course of the sport. Some referees have become household names, not just for their ability to control a match, but for their controversial decisions that have sparked debates, protests, and even conspiracy theories. But who is the most controversial referee in the world in football history?
This article delves into the referees who have left a lasting impact on football, their most controversial moments, and the debates surrounding their decisions. Whether due to questionable calls, alleged bias, or decisions that changed the course of tournaments, these referees have cemented their place in football history.
The Role of a Referee in Football
A football referee’s primary responsibility is to enforce the rules of the game, ensuring fair play and maintaining discipline on the pitch. Their job is challenging, requiring quick decision-making under immense pressure from players, coaches, and fans. However, when a referee’s decision significantly impacts the outcome of a match, controversy is inevitable.
Factors that contribute to a referee being labeled as controversial include:
- Game-changing decisions: Incorrect calls in crucial matches.
- Bias accusations: Allegations of favoritism towards specific teams or players.
- VAR controversies: Disputed use or non-use of Video Assistant Referee technology.
- Physical altercations: Confrontations with players or managers.
- Disciplinary inconsistencies: Inconsistencies in issuing red/yellow cards or awarding penalties.
Now, let’s examine the most controversial referees in football history and what made them infamous.
1. Byron Moreno – The Man Behind the 2002 World Cup Scandal
Byron Moreno is arguably the most controversial referee in football history. The Ecuadorian official gained worldwide infamy during the 2002 FIFA World Cup when he officiated the Round of 16 match between Italy and South Korea.
Controversial Moments:
- Questionable Red Card for Totti: Moreno controversially sent off Italian forward Francesco Totti for an alleged dive in extra time.
- Disallowed Goal: A legitimate goal scored by Damiano Tommasi was ruled offside.
- Favoring South Korea? Italy claimed Moreno was biased in favor of South Korea, with multiple soft fouls awarded against the Azzurri.
After the tournament, Moreno continued to make headlines for all the wrong reasons. He was later arrested in 2010 for attempting to smuggle heroin into the United States, further damaging his reputation.
2. Tom Henning Øvrebø – The Referee Who Infuriated Chelsea Fans
Norwegian referee Tom Henning Øvrebø became a villain in the eyes of Chelsea supporters after his controversial officiating in the 2009 UEFA Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona.
Controversial Moments:
- Denied Multiple Penalties: Chelsea had at least four strong penalty appeals rejected.
- Eric Abidal’s Dubious Red Card: Sent off Barcelona’s Abidal for a non-existent foul on Nicolas Anelka.
- Post-Match Chaos: Furious Chelsea players, including Didier Drogba, confronted Øvrebø, with Drogba famously shouting, “It’s a disgrace!”
Many fans and analysts believe Chelsea were unfairly denied a chance at the final due to these decisions, making Øvrebø one of the most controversial referees in history.
3. Graham Poll – The Three Yellow Cards Incident
Graham Poll was one of England’s top referees, but his legacy will forever be stained by his infamous three yellow cards blunder in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Controversial Moments:
- Mistakenly Gave Three Yellow Cards: In a match between Croatia and Australia, Poll booked Croatian defender Josip Šimunić three times before sending him off, a grave officiating error.
- Admitted Mistakes Post-Career: Poll later acknowledged his mistakes and retired from international refereeing after the tournament.
Despite his reputation as a respected referee in the Premier League, this World Cup blunder overshadowed his career.
4. Ali Bin Nasser – The Man Who Allowed Maradona’s Hand of God
Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser was at the center of one of the most iconic yet controversial moments in football history: Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England.
Controversial Moments:
- Allowed Maradona’s Handball Goal: Maradona punched the ball into the net, but Bin Nasser did not see it and allowed the goal.
- VAR Could Have Changed History: Had VAR existed at the time, the goal would have been disallowed.
Bin Nasser later defended himself, claiming he relied on his assistant referee, who did not signal a handball.
5. Howard Webb – The 2010 World Cup Final Controversies
Howard Webb was one of the most well-known referees in world football, but his handling of the 2010 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands remains controversial.
Controversial Moments:
- Allowed Brutal Tackles: Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong’s karate kick on Xabi Alonso went unpunished with a red card.
- Inconsistent Decisions: Webb issued 14 yellow cards, a record for a World Cup final, but was criticized for not controlling the game properly.
- Spanish Players Felt Targeted: Many believed Spain should have received more protection from rough Dutch challenges.
While Webb was a highly respected referee, this match remains one of his most contentious performances.
6. Mark Clattenburg – A Polarizing Figure in Modern Football
Mark Clattenburg is known for officiating some of football’s biggest matches, including the UEFA Champions League final (2016) and UEFA Euro 2016 final. However, he has also been involved in several controversies.
Controversial Moments:
- Chelsea vs Manchester United (2012): Chelsea accused Clattenburg of using inappropriate language towards their players, a claim that was later dismissed.
- Acknowledged Favoring Teams: In a later interview, Clattenburg admitted he managed games differently based on circumstances, raising ethical concerns.
- Questionable Penalties: Critics argue that he sometimes favored big teams over smaller clubs.
Conclusion
So, who is the most controversial referee in the world in football history? Byron Moreno arguably takes the top spot due to his notorious officiating at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and his later criminal conviction. However, other referees, such as Tom Henning Øvrebø, Graham Poll, Ali Bin Nasser, Howard Webb, and Mark Clattenburg, have also had careers filled with controversial decisions.
Referees play a crucial role in football, and their decisions can define the outcome of matches, tournaments, and even careers. While controversy is an inevitable part of the game, advancements such as VAR aim to minimize human errors. Yet, as history has shown, no amount of technology can completely remove the drama that comes with refereeing football at the highest level.
