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Are referees biased?

It's a common accusation, especially after a tough loss like Egypt's. While referees strive for fairness, they're human and can make mistakes. Bias, whether conscious or unconscious, is a complex issue in sports. Factors like home crowd pressure, a team's reputation, or even a referee's personal background can subtly influence decisions, leading to claims of unfairness.

Stories that explain this

Egypt manager claims FIFA rigged World Cup for Messi

Questions this opens up

Can referees be bribed? Do VAR decisions favour big teams? What is unconscious bias?

Related explainers

Why do teams complain about referees? What is FIFA? What is a 'home advantage'? What are 'marketing reasons' in sport? How does VAR work? Why broadcast referee audio? Who picks World Cup referees? How do referees train?

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