12 Infamous Sports Calls That Caused Major Controversy
Sports have this magical way of making us believe anything is possible—until, of course, a referee’s whistle reminds us that even magic has rules. But what happens when those rules get bent, broken, or just plain missed? These are the moments when the games we love turn into legends, and debates echo long after the scoreboards go dark.
We bring you the 15 most controversial sports calls that have turned the game around—and for all the wrong reasons. Let’s go!
Maradona’s Handball in 1986
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During the 1986 World Cup, Diego Maradona stunned the soccer world when he used his hand to score against England. The referees missed the blatant foul, and the goal counted. Maradona later called it the “Hand of God,” but for England fans, it was anything but divine intervention.
The Tuck Rule Saves Brady (2002)
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In the Patriots-Raiders playoff game, a late-game fumble by Tom Brady appeared to seal Oakland’s victory. Then came the ruling: the rarely cited “tuck rule” reversed the fumble into an incomplete pass. The Patriots went on to win, and the call became one of the NFL’s most controversial moments.
Jeffrey Maier’s Catch (1996)
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In Game 1 of the 1996 ALCS, a deep hit by Derek Jeter was heading for the glove of Orioles outfielder Tony Tarasco, until 12-year-old Jeffrey Maier reached out and caught it. The umpire ruled it a home run. Orioles fans have never let it go, but Yankees fans might call it destiny.
The Fail Mary Chaos (2012)
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When the Seahawks and Packers squared off in 2012, a last-second Hail Mary pass turned into a referee nightmare. Two players seemed to catch the ball simultaneously, but the officials ruled it a touchdown for Seattle. The backlash over the call added pressure to end the NFL’s referee lockout.
Denkinger’s Missed Call (1985)
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A controversial call by umpire Don Denkinger rocked Game 6 of the 1985 World Series. He ruled Kansas City’s Jorge Orta safe at first base, though replays showed he was out. The Royals took advantage, rallied, and won the game. They went on to win the series, leaving Cardinals fans bitter.
The Phantom Punch Controversy (1965)
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Muhammad Ali’s rematch with Sonny Liston ended in a strange knockout. Ali threw a punch so fast, many fans didn’t even see it. Liston fell to the canvas, and the fight was over. The “phantom punch” sparked decades of speculation about what really happened.
The Fifth Down Mistake (1990)
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College football saw one of its biggest officiating blunders when the University of Colorado was mistakenly granted an extra down during a game against Missouri. Colorado used the fifth down to score a decisive touchdown, a mistake that clouded their eventual national championship that year.
Infield Fly Rule Outrage (2012)
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During the Braves-Cardinals Wild Card game, an umpire invoked the infield fly rule on a ball hit deep into the outfield. The unexpected call wiped out a key Braves scoring chance. Fans pelted the field with debris in frustration, but the ruling stood, ending Atlanta’s postseason hopes.
Thierry Henry’s Handball (2009)
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During a World Cup qualifier, Thierry Henry handled the ball before assisting a winning goal against Ireland. The referees missed it, and the goal stood. France advanced, but the incident caused outrage. Ireland demanded a replay, but FIFA refused, leaving fans furious.
Brett Hull’s Skate in the Crease (1999)
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Brett Hull’s Stanley Cup-winning goal for the Dallas Stars remains one of hockey’s most debated moments. His skate was in the crease—a violation of the rules at the time—but officials allowed the goal. Buffalo Sabres fans argue to this day that the call robbed them of a fair shot at the championship.
The Immaculate Reception (1972)
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In a 1972 playoff game, Franco Harris caught a deflected pass just inches from the ground and ran it in for a game-winning touchdown. But was the ball legally deflected? Did it hit the ground? Officials ruled it a touchdown, and the Steelers advanced, but Raiders fans never stopped questioning it.
Olympic Basketball Turmoil (1972)
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The USA-USSR gold medal basketball game at the 1972 Olympics ended in chaos. Officials gave the Soviets multiple chances to score the winning basket after time should have expired. The U.S. team refused their silver medals in protest, and they remain unclaimed, sitting in storage to this day.
Lakers-Kings Foul Controversy (2002)
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The 2002 NBA Western Conference Finals saw the Kings face questionable officiating in Game 6. A disproportionate number of fouls went against Sacramento, and the Lakers won the game and series. The calls remain a source of frustration for Kings fans, fueling endless conspiracy theories.
Armando Galarraga’s Stolen Perfect Game (2010)
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Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga was one out away from perfection when umpire Jim Joyce mistakenly called a runner safe at first base. Replays showed the runner was clearly out. Joyce admitted the error, and Galarraga responded with grace, but the historic achievement slipped through his fingers.
The Double Doink Disaster (2018)
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In a playoff game against the Eagles, Bears kicker Cody Parkey’s field goal attempt to win the game hit the upright, then the crossbar, and bounced out. Known as the “Double Doink,” the play ended Chicago’s season and became an unforgettable reminder of how cruel sports can be.