I have found a new way to ruin sport for myself. I thought I had exhausted every method of turning the stress dial up to 11, but now I have chanced on a fresh approach: rooting for the referee. It started last summer in Sarajevo, where I was working with a charity that brings together children from all over the former Yugoslavia to play sport. Among the superstars in attendance was a cheerful Italian chap whom I could not help but cheer for. Now, as the World Cup unfolds, I find myself supporting not a team, not a player, but a wise and gentle Italian referee.
The Psychology of Rooting for an Underdog
I have never been able to watch a sporting contest without picking a side. It started when I was about five years old, idolising my grandad. Because he wanted West Brom to win, I wanted it too. This habit is deeply ingrained and perhaps not entirely healthy. But it has evolved: now the athletes are young enough to be my children or grandchildren, and I feel protective towards them.
At Wimbledon this week, I witnessed the return of the great Serena Williams. But as soon as I saw her opponent, pale and slight with a fearful air, I knew I was in trouble. I had never heard of Maya Joint until she walked out on court. When I read that she had lost 15 of her last 18 matches, I wanted her to win more than anything. She took the first set, and I went home because I could not bear to see her throw the lead away. She won. I hope she appreciates the part I played in her triumph.
From Player to Referee: The Ultimate Underdog
There is something even more stressful than picking a side: following an individual within a side. I first experienced this with rugby, watching my friends' son play for England against South Africa at Twickenham. That winger was Dan Luger. Rugby union is a 15 v 15 sport, except when you are sitting with the parents of one of the players. Then it becomes a 29 v 1 contest. All 15 members of the opposition plus all 14 of your player's teammates, who you feel might let them down at any moment. The stress is unbelievable.
Same with football. Sam Field, the son of very close friends, was in the West Brom youth system. After a decade of ceaseless commitment, he finally made his debut for the first team. On that day, the match went from 11 v 11 to 21 v 1. Now, at the World Cup, it has gone even further. Incredible even to me, I find myself supporting a referee. The game becomes 22 v 1: all 22 players against the one man in the middle, trying to do his job fairly and calmly.
Why Referees Deserve Our Support
Referees are the ultimate underdogs. They are often underappreciated, heavily criticised, and subjected to immense pressure from players, coaches, and millions of fans. According to a study by the University of Leicester, referees experience higher levels of stress and anxiety than players during matches. Yet they are essential to the integrity of the game. Supporting a referee is like cheering for fairness itself.
This Italian referee embodies that spirit. He is wise, gentle, and calm under fire. When he makes a correct call, I feel a surge of joy. When he is booed, I feel protective. It is a strange but deeply human impulse: to root for the person who has no one else on their side.
Lessons from the World Cup: Finding Joy in the Unexpected
The World Cup is a stage for heroes, villains, and unexpected stories. This year, my hero is a referee. It teaches us that sports fandom can be about more than winning or losing. It can be about empathy, fairness, and the quiet dignity of those who serve without applause.
For those looking to deepen their World Cup experience, consider this: pick a referee to support. Watch how they manage the game. Notice their positioning, their communication, their decisions. You might find yourself more engaged than ever before. And you will certainly feel less alone in your anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would someone root for a referee at the World Cup?
Rooting for a referee is a unique way to engage with sports. It shifts focus from winning to fairness and integrity. The referee is often the most isolated person on the pitch, making them a powerful underdog to support.
Is it common to feel protective of athletes or officials?
Yes, especially as fans age. Many find themselves feeling parental or protective towards younger players and officials. This emotional investment can make watching sports more intense but also more rewarding.
How can I enjoy the World Cup without picking a team?
Focus on individual stories: a player's comeback, a referee's journey, or a coach's tactics. You can also follow specific positions or roles, like goalkeepers or linesmen. The key is to find a human element that resonates with you.
In the end, sport is about connection. Whether you root for a team, a player, or a referee, the joy comes from caring. So this World Cup, consider cheering for the man in the middle. He might just need it most.
