Empty stadiums: referees are more equitable than before the coronavirus pandemic

Research in Germany revealed that referees are more equitable than before the coronavirus pandemic, when they tended to favor local clubs and to give more yellow cards to visiting teams. The absence of fans in stadiums could be the main cause of this particular finding, according to the survey.

The study, which was conducted by the IZA Institute of Labour Economic, showed that referees' sanctions were drastically reduced: players of the visiting teams received an average of 30% fewer yellow and red cards than before. The scientists said that the absence of fans reduced the pressure on the referees.

The report analyzed 6,400 games this season from 23 different leagues. Of these, 23% (1,498) were played during the quarantine, with empty stadiums. In total, the sample included 369 teams and 472 referees. In addition, the percentage of local victories was reduced, although not as significantly: from 43 percent to 41 percent after the pandemic.

In 2007, two researchers conducted a similar study when 20 matches in Italy were played without an audience due to riots. The result was the same: referees sanctioned 1.7 more fouls for the visiting team than before. In addition, the visitors received a third fewer yellow and red cards.