One of the difficult jobs in football is officiating a match as referees are subjected to immense pressure by fans, teams and other stakeholders.
A referee's decision is final and cannot be reversed save for a review via the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
TeamKenya highlights some of the controversial decisions made by the referees in past matches.
Also Read: Chelsea Woes Persist With Abramovich Kicked Out as Director
1. Manchester United vs Arsenal (Premier League 2009)
One of the biggest rivalries of all time is between Manchester United and Arsenal. In 2009 during one of their clashes, former Arsenal captain Robin Van Persie was denied a goal by the referee.
In that match which Manchester United defeated Arsenal with a 3-1 score, Mike Dean together with other officials ruled out the Dutch's goal deeming him offside.
2. Chelsea vs Barcelona (Champions League semi-final 2009)
A match forever forged in the mind of many Chelsea fans.
During this match, Chelsea's penalty appeals were dismissed. Barcelona won the trophy after beating Manchester United 2-0 at Wembley.
After the match, the then match official Tom Henning Øvrebø revealed that officiating the match was one of his worst performances.
3. Holland vs Spain (World Cup final 2010)
One of the greatest football tournaments is the World Cup. The 2010 final between Holland and Spain was one of the captivating finals of the tourney.
However, a controversial moment was witnessed when Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong was not sent off after launching a flying kick into the chest of Spain's Xabi Alonso.
Spain, nevertheless, won the match after Andres Iniesta scored the solo goal in the dying minutes of the extra time.
4. Chelsea vs Arsenal (Premier League 2014)
Famously known as the London derby, the fixture between Chelsea and Arsenal has always been intriguing and pulsating.
Then team head coaches and rivals, Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger spiced up the matches with their rivalry.
During one of their fixtures referee, Andre Marina wrongfully sent Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibs for handling the ball rather than midfielder Oxlade Chamberlain who committed the foul.
Also Read: Olunga Finishes as Top Scorer in the Qatar Stars League