It can be difficult to view the referee as a human being. Most fans, players and coaches think that the match officials are mostly there to spoil their day and thwart their endeavors to become storied, glorious winners. Except when they actually do win, in which case the referee is grateful to disappear into the background while the celebrations begin, or take a mouthful from the losing coach. Referees are only a decisive factor in defeats, we all know that.

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