Top 20 Most Controversial Calls in Sports History

These controversial calls proved costly. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most infamous and egregiously bad calls ever made by sports officials. Our countdown of the most controversial calls in sports history includes Geoff Hurst’s Wembley Goal, Michael Jordan’s Potential Foul, The Jeffrey Maier Incident, The Fail Mary, The Hand of God, and more! Did we miss any outrageous calls? Let us know in the comments!
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#Sports
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[@WatchMojo]

Did we miss any outrageous calls? Let us know in the comments! For more content like this, click here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYeWknl3hZyHY6M Don't forget to play our Live Trivia (www.watchmojo.com/play) games at 3pm EST for a chance to win cash! The faster you answer, the more points you get!

[@deemontgomery1235]

Yes. The missed pass interference call in the NFC Championship game with the Saints

[@themixedbag3054]

Guys, there are no Cricket references in here!!!

[@brandonanderson2689]

The Immaculate Reception, how the hell is that not here

[@jonmendelson1104]

2004 Stanley Cup Final Game 6 where Gelinas seemingly scored to give Calgary the lead with 7 minutes left. They weren't given the goal and Tampa won that game and then won game 7 to win the cup.

[@Krypt-Kaiboy72]

The Non-PI call in the NFC championship game of the Rams vs. Saints should be on this list. This was one of the worst calls ever in both football and sports history. This is also a great, if not best example of a team getting robbed.

[@optimusprimefan84]

I have a theory on that. The NFL wanted another team for football fans to be SO angry at, nobody would notice the Patriots cheating again throughout the remainder of the playoffs AND the superbowl that season. so the higher ups at the NFL told the officials not to throw the flag for pass interference at that point

[@Krypt-Kaiboy72]

@@optimusprimefan84good point and could be true.

[@notoriouseagle1074]

@@optimusprimefan84 Except the Pats never cheated. Appreciate greatness.

[@deemontgomery1235]

I was waiting for that on to show up

[@iamerror5751]

@@optimusprimefan84 The official explanation was the ref claimed the ball was tipped at the line. It was absolutely clearly not and refs don't miss like that. It did seem like a directive.

[@richardhogenson594]

Umpire call in the 1985 World Series between the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals. Biggest mess up in World Series history.

[@perkosean]

How do u not have it on this list

[@brianarbenz1329]

The "Show Me Sham." The Cardinals were robbed.

[@melissagrant4178]

What happened during the World Series

[@chasew7253]

Nah fuck the Cardinals

[@brianarbenz1329]

@@chasew7253 Oooh. Them's fightin words!

[@Kobe24brady12]

the no pi call for rams and saints game in 2019 nfc title game

[@RoysWorld1985]

As a college football fan, that 1990 Colorado-Missouri game was crazy. Not only the Buffs' did won the game in a controversial manner, but they went on to share the National Championship with Georgia Tech. That goes to show how crazy that finish was.

[@17matt95]

Leaving out the “No Call” is something

[@fredkruse9444]

Which no-call?

[@17matt95]

@@fredkruse9444 Rams vs Saints NFCC 2019.

[@luckyasmr1374]

That Dez Bryant call was BS. He absolutely caught that ball, and had possession the entire time. One of the worst calls I’ve seen in sports history, it was the closest shot the Cowboys have had at a championship since the 90s.

[@shelp7858]

the call was correct according to the rules, it was a bad rule that was latter changed.

[@garrybrown2627]

Packers would still have a few minutes to go and try to score and win the game

[@samuraibeastwarrior2886]

@@shelp7858 thank you

[@jeremywilliams5141]

Honorable mentions: 1. The Holy Roller incident. The 1978 game between the Oakland Raiders and the San Diego Chargers. 2. The first fight between Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis

[@fredkruse9444]

The holy roller was a travesty, but it was called properly under the rules in effect then. Shortly after, the rule was changed.

[@melissagrant4178]

What the Holy Roller

[@fredkruse9444]

@@melissagrant4178 Chargers/ Raiders, 70's. 4th and goal, a few seconds to go. Raiders' QB Stabler was about to be sacked, so he deliberately fumbled (rolled) the ball across the goal line. Raiders recovered for game winning TD. That's why now only the ball carrier can advance a fumble on 3rd or 4th down.

[@jaykirizz219]

As a Raiders fan, the Holy Roller was FAIRPLAY 🏟️🙅‍♂️

[@scottjones9973]

In a rec league kickball game in 2007 or so in North Hollywood. I scored from second base after a pop fly after very thoughtfully tagging up. The umpire called me out because he said "I got home too fast" and mustn't have tagged up, despite not seeing it. I'm surprised this didn't make the list, as it cost our team a playoff game.

[@Marine0451]

I miss Madden and Sumerall being the narrators of football.

[@taylordunekacke5784]

1994 Orange Bowl with Florida St. Vs Nebraska. Nebraska got screwed out of multiple calls and should have won the game.

[@dro3882]

Number 1 should’ve been Ray Finkle’s kick

[@DomSr]

"THE LACES WERE OUT, THE LACES WERE OUT!" 😂😂😂😂😂

[@ComaAlpha]

FINKLE IS EINHORN! EINHORN IS FINKLE!

[@jackballard2505]

Laces out!

[@ReeseDavidson]

I feel bad for Jim Joyce because he was one of the best umpires during his time in the league. And he’s the only official I’ve ever seen or heard feel terrible after a historically bad mistake.

[@Muhammadwasapedo]

I do, and don't all at once. I feel bad for him since he was contrite about it. But Angel Hernabdez could've seen the batter was out. MLB should be most ashamed for not fixing that call afterward.

[@rwwilson21]

@@Muhammadwasapedo Angel Hernandez should never get positive recognition. That man calls balls that are in the other batter’s box a strike, yet he calls a pitch dead center in the strike zone a ball. There was a game where three of his calls were overturned, one of which was at first base. That man is a fucking joke.

[@shafskyh]

Kings vs Lakers Game 7 2002 western conference finals.

[@samuraibeastwarrior2886]

Game 6 you mean

[@leobertoalbano]

My Third Request For WatchMojo: Top 10 Moments That Defined Sports History Forever.

[@carriebautch9382]

Definitely!!

[@leobertoalbano]

​@@carriebautch9382 Okay! Favorite Moment That Defined Sports History Forever?

[@carriebautch9382]

Cubs' game, when the fan snagged that foul ball--did it ruin their World Series chances? True or not, man, he was the most hated man in Chicago! (OK, so not an ump decision, but...)

[@leobertoalbano]

​@@carriebautch9382 Thanks!

[@nicolettegeiger3678]

@@leobertoalbanosecretariats K Derby win

[@Eclipton]

1 word: Bottlegate.

[@Michael_Knight823]

Ah, you beat me to it!

[@ChristopherBingham-xx8xl]

I was going to point that out too

[@jarrettowens6073]

I'm surprised it wasn't on the list. I mean, I'm not a Browns fan, but they got robbed.

[@usuckthereturn]

Bartman is proof athletes and their professional organizations care nothing about the fans that pay their salaries by willing throwing them under the bus for their mistakes

[@melissagrant4178]

There was no way that the Cubs player would get the batter out anyway, the ball was going foul and everyone was reaching for it, that Cub player was acting like a child

[@BrandonHardaker]

Great list! I'll always remember the kid reaching over the wall to catch the ball, giving Jeter a home run. I'm a Yankees fan, so I was happy. I was eleven years old at the time.

[@JustinCoffman-ht3lg]

The missed pass interference call in the 2018 NFC championship game sent the wrong team (the Los Angeles Rams) to the Superbowl and left all New Orlean Saints fans ready to form an angry mob. And of course, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots subsequently became champions again.

[@connorecrement7955]

I remember the number 1 entry as I am a guardians fan and I remember watching that as a kid. Even back then I was smart enough to know that was an awful call

[@Floridaman1780_]

I still can't figure out how that kid dropped Jeter's fly ball. If you're going to interfere, catch the ball.

[@ayadali9112]

Coming across this now while watching sports since I’m a big sports fan and seeing that this was uploaded just a few hours ago. One of the things I always watch when it comes to sports.

[@DizzyME13]

I wonder why the Seahawks are a part of SO many of the football bad calls? 😂

[@melissagrant4178]

Cause the NFL hate them

[@Bluestar-bh3bf]

The hand of god will always be my favorite moment in sports history as a few minutes later maradona scored the goal of the century

[@TeddyKGB12]

2003 Fiesta Bowl, AKA "The Robbery in the Desert" Terrible PI call on Miami's CB in OT on 4th down in the end zone of the National Title Game. Cost them a NC!

[@beaudure01]

The 1972 USA-USSR basketball game should be No. 1 because it wasn't just a *mistake*. It was a robbery. Most of the others on the list were simply errors that happened in real time, and in a couple of these cases, the officials involved have apologized for missing calls that will haunt them even though there was no malice involved. In the USA-USSR game, the officials knew exactly what they were doing. If a ref just misses a call, and I get silver instead of gold, I'll say it was bad luck and gladly take my silver. In this case, I wouldn't take that medal, either.

[@Cdf35]

The non PI call from the Saints/Rams NFC championship the worst non call I ever seen, should definitely be here …. Also the Dez catch

[@ROCKONplaceboforever]

Good video love the sports ones

[@WatchMojo]

Glad you like them!

[@Eddieavina123]

Love your video, WatchMojo, and keep up the great work you are awesome and I wasn't born when the Raiders lost the game but they should of won

[@leobertoalbano]

Thank You WatchMojo For This Top 20 Update For The Most Controversial Calls In Sports History.

[@hayeonkim7838]

Thanks for useful and valuable video as always ❤️❤️❤️

[@PrinceIsot]

The "Drop" Cowboys vs Packers better be here. In every other game before that day we knew what a catch was

[@ChristopherBingham-xx8xl]

no, that call was correct

[@PrinceIsot]

@@ChristopherBingham-xx8xl every other catch that happened the same way had been ruled a catch for 60+ years lol 🤣

[@ChristopherBingham-xx8xl]

@@PrinceIsot not the Calvin Johnson one in week 1 of 2010

[@PrinceIsot]

@@ChristopherBingham-xx8xl yeah that was the only other one, and then after the Dez one there was a whole issue they had to change rules twice because of it.... I remember

[@shelp7858]

the call was correct. According to nfl rules, which were later changed, blame the rules, not the refs

[@jonmendelson1104]

2004 Stanley Cup Final Game 6. Calgary Flames had a 3 games to 2 series lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning and with 7 minutes to go Calgary seemingly scores to take a 3-2 lead. They weren't given the goal and Tampa won that game in double overtime and then won game 7 to win the cup. People are still debating if the puck crossed the line. There's a camera angle that looks like it but people get into geometry talk about the parallax angle making it look like that when it wasn't really.

[@monamooo]

F1 Abu Dhabi 2021 (I wanted either of them to win)

[@BeanMusic07]

Good pick

[@risk_it_4_the_biscuit]

How isn't the Music City Miracle not on the list?

[@ChristopherBingham-xx8xl]

Because that call was correct

[@GTAnativeInXboxAndPlayStation]

I’ve seen the tuck rule play hundreds of times and I still believe it was a fumble. I’m a Brady fan and I agree, Tom fumbled the ball. Oakland was screwed big time.

[@robertthompkins5633]

The browns jaguars game in 2000. That one was bonkers

[@SocraticMind89]

The recent Dallas stars game 6 @denver in the first OT goal overturned despite Dallas ultimate winning still is virtually undebatable

[@republikentalks4454]

I'm surprised that MJ's "Push-off" made the list but none of the 1988 NBA finals made the list like Kareem's Phantom Foul, the NBA fans crowding the court with 2 seconds left, or when Magic purposely kicked Isaiah Thomas in the legs as he went to shoot his final shot. That whole series was a mess

[@serialmiller1987]

Missing Wayne Gretzky's high stick on Doug Gilmour in the 1993 Western Conference Finals.

[@matguy1000]

:D the watchmojo logo at 15:13 hehehe

[@thecrusader4086]

Tf no Dez Bryant..... Another bad call

[@ChristopherBingham-xx8xl]

no, that call was correct

[@Eric-xv5eb]

Dez Bryant caught it!!

[@joshreichardt2485]

No goal and wide right haunt Buffalo.

[@chrismagsmags]

John Va-len-ten? Theres a new one haha.

[@kevinuchiha6830]

Chelsea not getting a penalty in 2009 is still the biggest there. Also the "tuck rule" incident is laughable 😂😂

[@kyledunivan2131]

The dez Bryant catch against gb in the 2014 divisional game

[@ChristopherBingham-xx8xl]

no, that call was correct

[@5umo_70g7]

Yuna Kim not winning the 2014 Olympics

[@Vindicator18]

Abu Dhabi 2021, Queensland vs. NSW (State Of Origin 2000), Cowboys vs. Manly (2012), England vs. New Zealand (2019 Cricket World Cup), 1992 Bathurst 1000, Essendon vs. Collingwood (Anzac Day 2019). Oh, I forgot, Watchmojo only does American sports or Soccer.

[@TheMemeJunkie]

If they did football, they would have included Diaz's goal vs Spurs which was incorrectly ruled out by VAR for being offside in fact that game alone was full of bad calls.

[@BCstyle01]

What about the Dez Bryant "catch, no catch"?!?

[@jabp1807]

i love when this guy puts his voice on videos

[@TheKasperHermans]

How can a goal for qualifing for the World Cup (13) beat a goal for winning the World Cup (20)? And you know that apart from football there are other sports outside of the US?

[@kleine.5438]

7:40 I'm surprised that kid's life wasn't ruined just like the guy who caught the ball in the Cubs game or one the other games I forget which

[@RinJackson]

I like Iron Shiek's response to the #1 clip

[@jrey800]

Hull never lost possesion of the puck in the crease...

[@guysnightlab]

browns vs jags 2002 BOTTLEGATE how is this not on here!

[@melissagrant4178]

In his book called making the called, which is a good book, the second ref said he just put his hand up and the head ref was saying stop the clock which is the same sign as no touch down, then the refs revice death threaten

[@Maske002]

"Fail Mary" was a missed pass Interference, but it was simultaneous possession which goes to the offense.

[@shelp7858]

it wasn't Jennings caught the ball and had possession all the way to the ground before tate wrestled the ball out. tates hands can be seen completely off the ball in many still frames

[@melissagrant4178]

Read the book making the call, the ref said he put his hand up without realizing that the head ref was trying to stop the clock, which is the same sign as no touchdown

[@MrMavJet]

It should’ve been offensive pass interference for him pushing a defender down so at that point it doesn’t matter who caught the ball, end of story

[@Maske002]

@@melissagrant4178 Head ref? White hat would have no bearing on the play at all. He has QB.

[@CrimsonNineTail]

That fixed boxing match and the cold war game were so dirty.

[@dalebingham9074]

The USC Charles White fumble that was ruled a touchdown is a big one. The biggest ever was when the umpire cost the pitcher the perfect game when the batter was so clearly out even in real time.

[@JuicyPlayer]

The Burt Emmanuel no-catch call in the 1999 NFC championship game with the Bucs vs Rams. NFL wanted to do everything in their power to get Kurt Warner to the Super Bowl.

[@billsfan4evah]

Wow, Music City Miracle "NOT" listed? Was a forward lateral pass.

[@jameswright9001]

I'd add Mike Rodriguez vs Ed Herman on there. Rodriguez hit a clean body shot that was ruled a low blow and Herman took a 5 minute rest and got a controversial submission in the 3rd round

[@Hodaggium]

I came here for the Fail Mary. The Packers were Swindled In Seattle.

[@simplemanchannel3318]

"The Seattle Screw"

[@inutero10]

The New Orleans no call

[@user-jh4ww7gv4n]

WHERE IS THE NOLA NO CALL?!

[@tomfisher6422]

Maybe not top 20, but Kerry Fraser's missed high sticking call in game 6 of the Western Conference final in 1993 still stings Leafs fans to this day. Wayne Gretzky's stick caught Doug Gilmour in the face in the first minute of overtime in Game 6. The ref later admitted that he thought it was the puck that caught Gilmour. The Leafs were leading the series 3-2, and the correct call, a four minute power play would have given them an incredible chance to end the series. Not only did Gretzky score the overtime winner, but the Kings won game 7.

[@evmaze7066]

Yo you forgot the deliberate out of bounds call against Micheal Nettlefold in the 1983 Qualifying final Fitzroy vs Hawthorne... btw I'm still fuming!!!

[@jarrettowens6073]

I'm surprised Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns back in December 16th, 2001 wasn't on this list. They called that moment The Beer Bottle Game. That moment was controversial. Look it up. The ref damn near caused the fans to riot in the crowd because his call made the Browns lose the game. I'm not a fan of either team, but that ref was a piece of shit.

[@cmucodemonkey]

The next day Jim Joyce and Galaraga exchanged the lineup cards at home plate. As much as the ruling pissed me off, I have great respect for Joyce for not only admitting his mistake but owning it.

[@leadbelly67]

How is the Holy Roller not on this list?

[@saebaryo2]

93 NHL play off Leafs lead Kings 3-2 in series. Late in game 6 with the score tied Gretzky high sticks Gilmour and draws blood. That's a 5 min major back then. Gretzky should have been out of the game. No call from referee Kerry Fraser or the linesmen who were allowed to call majors. Gretzky ends scoring in OT. We were robbed of a Habs vs Leafs final.

[@Highlander_36]

Would have been an amazing series 😢 Blood was drawn but no call was made....

[@Constitutionalist76]

As a Sabres fan, I'm elated you highlighted the No Goal game, as at the time, that was the rule. Hull didn't have control of the puck, he shot twice. I was 15 years old and awake when that dagger struck through our hearts. As a Miami Hurricanes fan, I can't believe you didn't show the BS PI call in the Fiesta Bowl, that lead to Ohio State having anothere chance to score and ultimately win.

[@royms2000]

I'm an OSU graduate, and I agree that that call should have made the list.

[@robbrooks05]

How Grady Jarretts roughing the passer call on Tom Brady call didnt make this list is crazy

[@chiragkotwal3926]

There is a much bigger Sports World outside USA...your world only revolves around Baseball, Basketball and American Football

[@samemtp]

Don Dekinger handing the 1985 World Series to the Royals, robbing the Cardinals of a World Championship.

[@skinrule1]

Should be #1

[@bubbajoshproductions3990]

I feel bad for the baseball fan who leaned forward and caught the ball. You know he had to have gotten bullied for that and probably even beaten up

[@ethanengelking2492]

I was going to say “at least there was no controversial calls on this list for Green Bay” but I pushed my luck.

[@UKenn78]

Honorable mention: The Major. In the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoff first round, the Vegas Golden Knights were up 3-0 on the San Jose Sharks in Game 7. With under 11 minutes left an unfortunate incident occurred when Sharks forward Joe Pavelski, who was already nursing a sore jaw, got slammed into the ice inadvertently by Vegas’s Cody Eakin. Eakin was given a five minute major and a game misconduct, although it would be later shown that it was just an accident when Pavelski fell to the ice. The Sharks would take advantage of the extra power play time, scoring four goals in five minutes to take the lead. Although Vegas would tie it late, the Sharks would win the game and series in OT. The rules would be changed in the off-season where all potential five minute majors would be reviewed. Even if it’s not a major, the offending party will still have to sit for two minutes.

[@brandynmokry2258]

This one was so bad, the NHL had to publically appologize to the Golden Knights organization.

[@callmehonda2145]

Hand of God at 3rd is wild ngl

[@dieter150]

Abu Dhabi 2021, Australia 1994, Crashgate (Singapore 2008), Japan 1989...

[@avklock]

Next time Detroit hosts some sort of All-Star event, they should bring back that Tigers team plus Jim Joyce plus the baserunner and recreate the whole situation... and then get it right and celebrate together 😊

[@JamesSmith-wo3qz]

Luis Diaz “offside” goal vs Spurs in October 23 should be here too

[@uviweboyana8936]

The US vs Soviet one must have been a movie In the peak of the Cold War I wish i was alive man

[@TheVlad1616]

Have to love the soccer players who celebrate the “hand ball” goals like they they didn’t know they cheated.

[@zachhamilton8024]

How does the phantom foul not even make the list??

[@ayadali9112]

I was six days old when number 7 happened.

[@devontyrell1969]

Fail Mary should have been a OPI but when a receiver and a DB catch the ball at the same time the possession goes to the receiver

[@ComaAlpha]

Jeremy was just a kid. You can't really blame him for wanting that ball.

[@bradleymiles671]

buffalo just can't help but lose to Dallas regardless of what sport it is.

[@karenhall4645]

So many of these calls are the result of officials missing something as it happens in real time, but is obvious in playback. That's why I don't have a problem with things like challenges. Missed calls can be game changing.

[@Jeremiah_Rivers76]

The trash on the field from the outfield infield fly was uncalled for. Nobody should ever go to those lengths when voicing their disapproval.

[@R_E_D22]

trash wouldn't be thrown on the field if bad calls weren't made

[@Highlander_36]

I'd never throw mine because those are expensive AF

[@TimCarter]

I don't know. I'm sure the delay gave the ump plenty of time to feel like a jerk for blowing the call.

[@jimi376]

Damn near every game of the 2024 ucl and la liga season had controversial call in favor of real madrid 🤔

[@Mechamjr88]

The fail Mary is above super bowl XL? Haha what a joke.

[@TimCarter]

Calvin Johnson. You know the play.

[@rwwilson21]

number 1 should be recognized as a perfect game!

[@dmj9798]

Shout outs to finding the one moment that the Detroit Lions benefitted from the officials. (Yeah, there are probably some others, but...)

[@elliotloucks5249]

Lions vs. Cowboys illegal touching call should’ve been on this list. The guy who caught the ball for the 2 point conversion reported eligible several times.

[@LeCarnage]

how the fuck is bottle gate not in this

[@borderite88]

A college football game with Washington at ND in 2009, at one point UW seemingly scored a rushing TD only to overturned because the cameras were not on the goal line resulting in eventual FG. On ND next possession they score a TD and attempt a 2pt try seemingly it was stopped but the refs didn't call it and the try succeeded. ND wins 37-30 in OT.

[@JeremyAustin-hw1qy]

Herman edwards has said countless times if the ball is in the air you let it drop don't catch it if you're the other team