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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

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Merch v3

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Luis Paez-Pumar

Referee, Szymon Marciniak reacts during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg two match between FC Porto and FC Internazionale at Estadio do Dragao on March 14, 2023 in Porto, Portugal.

FC Porto v FC Internazionale: Round of 16 Second Leg – UEFA Champions League

Soccer

Champions League Final Ref Says He Was “Misled” Into Attending Notable Racist’s Networking Event

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Ray Ratto

Fans are seen waving flags inside the stadium as they await the unveiling of new FC Barcelona Head Coach Xavi Hernandez during a press conference at Camp Nou on November 08, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Xavi Hernandez Unveiled As New FC Barcelona FC Head Coach

Barcelona Insists There’s Nothing Weird About Paying A Referee $1.3 Million

Joseph Ossai hits Patrick Mahomes late in the AFC Championship game

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The Bengals’ Season Came Down To One Late Hit

A board signifying 14 minutes of first half stoppage time is seen during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and IR Iran at Khalifa International Stadium on November 21, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.

England v IR Iran: Group B – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Where Is All This World Cup Stoppage Time Coming From?

Kalyn Kahler

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 07: Back judge Shawn  Hochuli #83 and side judge Allen Baynes #56 carry a game ball to the Oakland Raiders locker room before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 7, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Wild Card Round – Oakland Raiders v Houston Texans

How NFL Teams Scout The Refs

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 27: Referee Scott Foster #48 during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on March 27, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the 76ers 114-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Philadelphia 76ers v Phoenix Suns

The NBA’s Actual Ref Problem, Explained

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