Referees are an integral part of football matches, and they often find themselves in the midst of controversy following key decisions. Although referees don’t usually give post-match interviews like players or managers, there are instances where their decisions are scrutinized, and sometimes they or officials from the governing body address the criticism. Here’s how referees generally react to post-match criticism or controversial decisions:

1. Referees Stay Silent

• What Happens: In most cases, referees are advised to avoid speaking directly to the media after a match, as it could lead to further controversies or legal implications. Their decisions are often reviewed by the football authorities, who then release statements on their behalf.
• Why It’s Common: This allows referees to focus on their officiating without the pressure of having to defend themselves in the media. The football governing bodies (e.g., the Premier League, FIFA, or UEFA) often release official statements or explanations if a controversial decision is made.
• Example: After controversial incidents, such as VAR decisions, referees may not comment directly, and the respective football association will release an official statement on their behalf.

2. Public Apologies

• What Happens: In some cases, referees or refereeing bodies issue public apologies or clarifications if a clear mistake was made. This can happen when a major error affects the outcome of the game, especially when it’s related to something like a wrongly awarded penalty or a misinterpretation of a rule.
• Why It’s Controversial: Apologies are not always well received because they do not change the result of the match. Some fans and pundits criticize referees or authorities for only reacting after the fact rather than proactively ensuring accurate decisions.
• Example: After the 2018 World Cup, FIFA apologized to Brazil for a controversial VAR decision that saw them eliminated by Belgium, though it didn’t reverse the result.

3. Defensive Responses from the Football Authorities

• What Happens: When referees are criticized, the authorities sometimes respond defensively by reiterating the difficulty of their job. They emphasize that decisions are made in the heat of the moment and that mistakes are part of human error, even with the use of technology like VAR.
• Why It Happens: Football governing bodies often back the referees, arguing that the pressure of officiating at the top level, with numerous decisions to make in a short amount of time, can lead to mistakes. They remind the public that referees have to make decisions in real time and don’t have the luxury of instant replays for every incident.
• Example: After the 2019 Champions League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, UEFA defended the refereeing decisions in the match despite criticism over certain calls, including the early penalty awarded to Liverpool.

4. VAR Referees Justifying Decisions

• What Happens: When VAR decisions are heavily criticized, the referees in charge of the review process may issue justifications through official channels. These are often done through post-match reports or statements released by the governing body, and sometimes the referee or VAR operator is made available for comment.
• Why It Happens: VAR is supposed to remove human error from key decisions, but it has not been immune to controversy. Referees involved in VAR decisions often defend the technology, explaining that it’s there to correct clear and obvious errors.
• Example: In the 2020 Premier League season, a controversial VAR decision regarding offside calls (notably in matches involving Manchester City) prompted the league to release explanations, stating that the technology was applied according to the rules, despite public outcry.

5. Increased Transparency (or Lack Thereof)

• What Happens: Some football associations, especially in the Premier League and UEFA, have tried to increase transparency regarding refereeing decisions. This sometimes involves releasing official videos explaining why certain decisions were made, including the rationale behind VAR usage. However, referees themselves rarely speak directly about their decisions.
• Why It’s Controversial: While fans appreciate the transparency, there are still many who believe that refereeing bodies don’t do enough to hold referees accountable for major errors. The lack of direct interviews with the referees also leaves questions unanswered, which fuels further criticism.
• Example: The Premier League has occasionally released videos explaining controversial VAR decisions, but there are still questions over why certain decisions weren’t corrected or why certain incidents were allowed to pass without review.

6. Post-Match Media Briefings from Officials

• What Happens: Some competitions, particularly in European football, may allow the head of refereeing or the match official to briefly explain controversial decisions after a match. These briefings often clarify the reasoning behind certain calls, especially those involving technology.
• Why It Happens: Such briefings help manage public perception and explain why the officials made certain decisions, especially after high-profile games.
• Example: After a controversial handball incident in the 2020-2021 Champions League, the head of refereeing at UEFA explained why the referee’s decision stood after reviewing the footage.

7. Referee Managers Defend the Officials

• What Happens: When referees are criticized for a match, their supervisors (e.g., Mike Riley, the head of the PGMOL in the UK) typically defend the referees in interviews. They emphasize the difficulty of the job and provide justifications for the decisions made. These officials may also say that the referee made the best decision based on the information available to them at the time.
• Why It Happens: Referee managers are responsible for protecting the reputation of officials and ensuring the integrity of the refereeing system. Their role is to provide context for decisions and reassure the public that referees are held accountable through internal reviews.
• Example: After a controversial decision in a high-profile Premier League match, Mike Riley, head of PGMOL, publicly defended the decision, explaining that the referee’s interpretation of the incident was consistent with the rules.