The game is tied in the dying minutes, and you are convinced the referee just made the worst call of the year. The crowd is roaring, your adrenaline is pumping, and before you know it, you are in the referee’s face, arms flailing, pleading your case like a lawyer in a courtroom.
Wait, can you do this? Is complaining to a referee legal in soccer? The short answer is yes, you can complain to the referee.
The long answer? It’s complicated, and how you do it makes all the difference between being heard or earning yourself a yellow (or even red) card.
Let me break it all down for you.
Understanding the Referee’s Role
Referees are the main authority on the field. Their word is the law, and the game operates under their judgment and interpretation of the rules.
According to Law 5 of the Laws of the Game (the official rulebook for soccer), the referee’s decisions are final. Whether it’s a foul, offside call, or penalty decision, they have the last say.
Can you see why I said the long answer was complicated earlier?
Now, does this mean they are always right? Of course not!
Referees are human and make mistakes. VAR (Video Assistant Referee) has helped address some errors, but it has not eradicated them entirely. Players and coaches often feel justified in voicing their opinions when a call feels blatantly wrong.
However, this is a big but, there’s a fine line between questioning a call and outright dissent.
SEE ALSO | How Much Do College Soccer Referees Make?
What Do the Rules Say About Complaining?
While the Laws of the Game don’t explicitly prohibit you from talking to the referee, they do have provisions for how this communication should happen.
The key lies in Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct, which outlines what constitutes dissent. The rule states that:
- Players must not show dissent by word or action.
In plain English, what this means is you can’t yell at, berate, or aggressively argue with the referee. Doing so can earn you a yellow card for dissent – or worse, a red card if your behavior is deemed abusive or threatening.
However, respectful communication is allowed.
If you approach the referee calmly and with a level head, you are within your rights to express concerns or ask for clarification. The difference lies in how you say it.
What Counts as Dissent?
To nail this topic, let me break down some behaviors that cross the line into dissent territory.
- Yelling or Shouting
If you’re screaming at the referee or using an overly aggressive tone, just expect trouble, there is no two way about it. Even if your words are relatively tame, shouting alone can be interpreted as dissent.
- Gestures or Body Language
Throwing your arms up in frustration, clapping sarcastically, or pointing in the referee’s face? Yeah, that’s not going to fly. As the popular saying goes “Action speaks louder than voice“, that non-verbal actions you think are not harmful are just as telling the right words.
- Swearing or Insulting Language
This one is obvious. Any form of abusive or offensive language directed at the referee is a straight ticket to disciplinary action.
- Persistent Complaining
Asking and complaining to the ref once is fine, but badgering the match official over and over is giving a vibe of you want trouble. At some point, your persistence will be seen as undermining their authority.
- Mob Mentality
This is when a lot of players surround the referee, all arguing all at once. It’s a common sight in professional matches, but referees are instructed to crack down on this behavior.
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Why Complaining Often Backfires
When was the last time you saw a referee change their decision because a player complained bitterly? Probably never, unless you’re the player and the ref is your kid who is scared of you belting him at home.
Complaining especially when done poorly usually just escalates the situation.
- It Distracts You from the Game
While you’re busy arguing, the opposing team could take advantage of the situation, especially if play is allowed to continue.
- It Puts a Target on Your Back
Referees are human. If you’ve been in their face all game, they might subconsciously be less inclined to give you the benefit of the doubt in future 50/50 calls.
- It Hurts Team Morale
A captain losing their cool can have a ripple effect. Teammates might get rattled, and the focus shifts away from the game plan.
- You Risk Discipline
The main consequence of complaining is a yellow or red card. Getting carded for dissent is one of the most avoidable ways to hurt your team.
When (and How) to Talk to the Referee
Now that we know what not to do, let’s talk about the right way to handle it when you feel the need to address the referee.
Pick Your Moment
Timing is everything. Don’t interrupt the flow of the game to voice your concerns; wait for a natural pause, like a throw-in, goal kick, or injury stoppage.
Approach Calmly
Walk, don’t run toward the referee. Keep your arms at your sides and maintain open, non-threatening body language.
Be Respectful
Use polite language and avoid accusations. Phrases like “Can you explain that decision?” or “What did you see there?” or you go ballistic with the “Are you blind?” choice of word.
Know When to Let It Go
If the ref gives you an explanation and sticks to their decision, drop it. Continuing to argue will only dig you into a deeper hole.
The Captain’s Privilege
If you are the team captain, you have a bit more leeway when it comes to communicating with the referee. Captains are often seen as the bridge between the players and the officials, and referees might be more inclined to hear you out.
That said, captains are held to a higher standard of conduct. Losing your cool as the captain can reflect poorly on the entire team and lead to harsher consequences.
How Referees Handle Complaints
On the flip side, let’s consider how referees are trained to deal with player complaints. The best refs balance authority with empathy, using these techniques:
- Clear Communication
Good referees take a moment to explain their decisions, especially in high-stakes situations.
- Firm but Fair
They know when to let minor complaints slide and when to issue a card to reassert control.
- Body Language Awareness
Referees use their own body language to project confidence and de-escalate tense situations.
SEE ALSO | Top 10 Referees In Soccer History
Final Thoughts: Complain Smart, Not Emotional
Complaining to a referee is an emotional part of the beautiful game, and it’s a double-edged sword. If you handle it poorly, it will hurt you and your team.
And if you do it right, it might give you a moment of clarity, or at least show the referee you care passionately about the game.
