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In this week’s Listening Report, we have three football fans sharing their opinions about controversial refereeing decisions. All fans love to talk about the decisions referees got wrong or right after the end of a match. The controversial decisions are the ones that we remember and talk about for the longest. These three football fans were asked what decision from football would they like to not have happened. You can read a transcript for this podcast below, while you can also check out our glossary of footballing phrases here and visit our site to access all our previous posts and podcasts. If you have any suggestions or questions then you can contact us at admin@languagecaster.com.
Listening Report: Controversial Decisions
Tim (Liverpool fan)
T: Um, that’s a good question. I’d probably go for the 2006 World Cup final, Italy against France. And as you know Zidane did the head butt, which was not actually caught by the referee, but was caught by video cameras and the fourth official saw it and then he informed the referee who then produced a red card. So for a couple of reasons really. One is, still now FIFA still doesn’t allow video technology but they somehow introduced it surreptitiously into that final. And I was rooting for France to win, and because of Zidane’s departure they lost on penalties.
James (Manchester City fan)
J: I think one of the worst refereeing decisions I’ve ever seen was back in 1996, and it was a Manchester derby when City were winning 1-0. Uwe Rosler had scored a great goal to put City up 1-0 at Old Trafford and the referee gave a penalty! Michael Frontzeck, the City left back at the time, he did nothing wrong. The referee gave a penalty and Cantona scored and United went on to win 2-1. It was a very painful decision. It was a blow.
DB: Because you’re a Manchester City fan…
J: Of course. And how about you?
Damon (Liverpool fan)
DB: For me, it would have to be 1998, World Cup, quarter-final, England versus Argentina. Backs to the walls. England a player down; Beckham sent off. 2-2, coming towards the end of the game, Sol Campbell rises in the penalty area for a corner and scores a wonderful goal, disallowed! Apparently Shearer had fouled the keeper. I’d like that one to be overturned.
Vocabulary
controversial: something that causes people to argue; an event that causes disagreement
head butt: when you use your head to hit another person
catch: in this context, see or notice
produce a red card: show a red card; take a red card out of the pocket
root for: support; hope a team wins
a blow: a setback; a shock
backs to the walls: defending desperately
overturn: to change; to cancel a decision
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