The Most Controversial Referee Decisions in Sports History
Some calls echo for decades. Whether it’s a missed handball, a phantom foul or a game-deciding penalty, these referee decisions have sparked riots, conspiracy theories — and unforgettable sporting moments. Here are 20 of the most controversial ever.
20. Cameroon vs. England – 2019 Women’s World Cup
Cameroon players erupted after a string of VAR decisions, refusing to restart play at one point. The game turned into chaos.
19. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Disallowed Goal – Serbia vs. Portugal, 2021
The ball clearly crossed the line, but without goal-line tech, the goal didn’t count. Ronaldo stormed off, tossing his captain’s armband in protest.
18. Japan vs. Spain – 2022 World Cup VAR Confusion
A decisive goal stood even though the ball looked out of play. VAR ruled it in — barely. Fans and analysts were split.
17. The 5-Second Violation That Wasn’t – 1997 NCAA Final
Kentucky’s inbound play should’ve been whistled for a 5-second violation. The refs missed it, and the title slipped away from Minnesota.
16. Floyd Mayweather vs. José Luis Castillo I – 2002
Castillo outlanded Mayweather in punches and power shots, but lost the decision. Fans cried robbery. Floyd stayed unbeaten.
15. The Non-Pass Interference – Rams vs. Saints, 2019
A missed call on clear pass interference kept the Saints out of the Super Bowl. The NFL later admitted the refs blew it.
14. Serena Williams vs. Naomi Osaka – US Open 2018
Three code violations, a game penalty, and a furious Serena. The final turned sour. Osaka won, but the moment was overshadowed.
13. Lampard’s Ghost Goal – England vs. Germany, 2010 World Cup
His shot hit the bar and crossed the line by miles. No goal, no VAR, and Germany thrashed England. Outrage followed.
12. Handball Madness – Chelsea vs. Barcelona, 2009
Four penalty appeals waved away. Chelsea fans lost it. Drogba screamed at the camera: “It’s a f***ing disgrace!”
11. Zidane’s Red Card – 2006 World Cup Final
The headbutt seen around the world. The referee didn’t see it — but the fourth official did. Zidane’s career ended in a red haze.
10. The Tuck Rule Game – Patriots vs. Raiders, 2002
Tom Brady’s “fumble” was ruled an incomplete pass due to an obscure rule. The Patriots won, the Raiders raged, and the rule was later scrapped.
9. Luis García’s Ghost Goal – Liverpool vs. Chelsea, 2005
The ball may never have crossed the line, but the goal stood. Mourinho still insists it was never in.
8. USA vs. USSR – 1972 Olympic Basketball Final
Three do-overs in the final seconds gifted the Soviets the win. The U.S. refused to accept silver medals — and never have.
7. Roy Jones Jr. Robbed – 1988 Olympic Final
Jones dominated, landing over 80 punches to his opponent’s 30. Still, the South Korean was handed the gold. Scandalous.
6. The Fail Mary – Packers vs. Seahawks, 2012
A botched touchdown call by replacement refs caused a national uproar. Even the NFL Players Association demanded action.
5. South Korea vs. Italy – 2002 World Cup
A parade of fouls, a soft penalty, a disallowed goal and a red card. Many believe South Korea got suspicious help on home soil.
4. France vs. Ireland – Henry’s Handball, 2009
A blatant handball set up France’s winning goal, knocking Ireland out of the World Cup. Even Henry admitted it.
3. Geoff Hurst’s Goal – 1966 World Cup Final
The ball bounced on the line — was it in? The ref said yes. England won the World Cup, but Germany never forgot.
2. The Abu Dhabi F1 Controversy – 2021
F1 race control changed protocol mid-race, giving Verstappen a one-lap sprint to snatch the title from Hamilton. Fans called it manipulated.
1. The Hand of God – Maradona, 1986
Nothing tops this. Maradona punched the ball in against England — and the ref didn’t see it. The goal stood. A moment of genius? Or pure cheating? Probably both.
