6 referee calls that made the world question football officiating

#3 De Jong kick on Alonso (2010)

Netherlands v Spain: 2010 FIFA World Cup Final

English referee Howard Webb was in the spotlight in the 2010 World Cup for one key decision made during the final. In July 2010, Spain and Netherlands squared off in a highly explosive match. In football, there are usually some fouls committed that are debatable and result in leniency from the referee.

However, hard tackling Nigel De Jong deserved a straight red card for his wild kick on Xabi Alonso just before the half-hour mark. The ball was up in the air when both players contested it. Alonso reached for it with his head while De Jong sunk his full studs into the Spaniard's chest, sending him sprawling to the ground.

It is unclear why Webb chose to brandish only a booking for the Dutch midfielder. The fact that it was a World Cup final should not have influenced Webb's decision. Regardless of the magnitude of the match, De Jong deserved a straight red card and there would be little complaints about it.