5 instances of bad refereeing influencing the outcome of a game

Modified Feb 25, 2018 17:28 GMT

Frank Lampard's shot beat Manuel Neuer - but was unfairly disallowed by the referee

#2 Chelsea vs. Barcelona, UEFA Champions League, 2008/09

It was a result that prompted Didier Drogba to go on a notorious rant at a nearby camera, yelling that referee Tom Henning Ovrebo’s performance was a “f*cking disgrace”. After a 0-0 draw in the first leg at the Nou Camp, the Champions League semi-final tie between Chelsea and Barcelona was on a knife-edge going into the return leg at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea largely bossed the game, taking the lead through Michael Essien, but they should’ve had their lead extended. Ovrebo ignored clear penalty claims when both Drogba and Florent Malouda went down under rough challenges in the box, and also denied the Blues when Gerard Pique’s clear handball went unseen.

A late equaliser from Andres Iniesta suddenly put Barca ahead on away goals, before Ovrebo denied Chelsea a fourth stone wall penalty – this time somehow missing a clear handball from Barca’s Samuel Eto’o. Barcelona ended up advancing and everyone – even fans who didn’t like Chelsea – could see that the bizarre decisions of the referee were to blame.

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

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Edited by Tanya Rudra