In the high-stakes world of professional football, referees are often perceived as unflappable arbiters of the game, their decisions met with fervent applause or scathing criticism. Yet, behind the black uniform and the ubiquitous whistle lies a human being, susceptible to the same emotions that grip players and fans alike. Daniele Doveri, a seasoned Italian Serie A referee and the president of the Rome-1 section of the Italian Referees Association (AIA), offers a rare and poignant glimpse into this often-misunderstood reality, sharing how a single incident profoundly reshaped his perspective on life, officiating, and the very essence of sport.
The Day the Whistle Paused for a Heartbeat
It was December 1st, 2024. The match between Fiorentina and Inter was underway when Edoardo Bove, a player, collapsed on the field. For Doveri, an official who professes never to have harbored favoritism for any club, this moment transcended the boundaries of professional duty. “I`ve never supported a football team,” Doveri reflects, “but since that day, I support one player: Edo. Whatever he does in life, I will cheer for him.” This deeply personal confession underscores the emotional impact of witnessing a life-threatening incident, starkly reminding everyone that beneath the competitive fervor, human well-being reigns supreme. The incident, he notes, irrevocably “changed the evaluation of a thousand things.”
Doveri`s sleepless night following the event, despite knowing “everything possible was done correctly on the field,” speaks volumes. He admits to being “astonished by people`s astonishment” at his emotional response. “Sometimes,” he muses, “the referee is seen as an alien, and people are surprised that one can be emotional.” This sentiment echoes Riccardo Orsolini`s observation that “we are normal people in a world that seems less normal,” a statement Doveri readily applies to his own profession. The Bove incident served as a potent, if painful, lesson in perspective, highlighting the stark contrast between critical VAR decisions and the sanctity of human life.
VAR: The Guardian Angel in the Digital Age
In an era increasingly shaped by technology, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) remains a contentious topic among football enthusiasts. Yet, for Doveri, VAR is unequivocally a “guardian angel.” His reasoning is pragmatic: “Because it allows us all to go home more serene.” The ultimate goal, he emphasizes, is ensuring the final match result accurately reflects the on-field events and decisions. VAR, in his view, has “helped enormously” in achieving this critical objective.
Regarding the impending VAR “announcement” – the public disclosure of VAR decisions and reasoning – Doveri expresses a keen curiosity about its reception. “The biggest curiosity will be to see what effect it will have on the public,” he states, “will it be reassuring or not?” This move towards greater transparency, while potentially controversial, aims to foster better understanding and, perhaps, reduce the perception of officials as opaque decision-makers.
The Pitch as a “Free Zone”: Battling Disrespect and Aggression
While the spotlight often shines on professional leagues, Doveri bravely addresses a darker, less-discussed aspect of football: the rampant disrespect and aggression faced by referees, particularly in lower, amateur divisions. He recounts a harrowing incident from his early career: “When I was slapped in Eccellenza [a regional amateur league].” Such occurrences, he laments, defy the very spirit of sport. “Sometimes the field seems like a free zone, an outlet, as if one should give the worst of themselves right there.”
His anecdotal evidence is chilling: “I saw a fifteen-year-old attacked by a seventy-year-old masseur: for a corner kick. He threw a water bottle at his chest. Days of prognosis.” This stark reality underscores the urgency of legal protections for officials. Doveri staunchly supports the legislative process to equate referees with public officials, expressing gratitude to those who championed this cause. He finds the dichotomy baffling: a person who might be a “fantastic grandfather” off the pitch can transform into an aggressor on it. “We should stop this,” he urges, advocating for a cultural shift towards greater civility.
The veteran referee also reflects on the Salernitana-Sampdoria match, which was abandoned due to public order issues. “There was much bitterness left in me,” he admits, “that evening, sport didn`t win; we all lost a bit by closing the game 20 minutes from the end.” Such incidents serve as sobering reminders of the fragility of the game when respect falters.
Evolving the Game: Effective Time and Future Horizons
Beyond the immediate challenges, football officiating is perpetually evolving with new rules and proposed technologies. Doveri weighs in on three prominent ideas: effective playing time, VAR Challenge (a system allowing teams to challenge decisions), and bodycams for referees.
He is “curious about effective playing time,” noting its potential to ensure that “time is used for playing football,” even referencing the “8 seconds” rule for goalkeepers. This reflects a desire for a more fluid and continuous game. Bodycams, however, pique his interest less, perhaps due to concerns about privacy or the practical implications of constant surveillance. The VAR Challenge, while not yet implemented, represents another facet of potential future refinement for decision-making.
The relationship between players, coaches, and referees has also seen improvement, Doveri notes. “We talk about trust: I trust your choice, you accept the decision I make.” Experience, he believes, has honed his approach, leading to a significant reduction in cautions – a testament to a growing mutual understanding on the pitch. Once known for issuing many yellow cards, he humorously states, “Last year I finished with an average of two yellows per game…” Progress, indeed.
From Aspiring Number 10 to Arbiter of the Game
Doveri’s own journey into refereeing wasn`t born from a childhood dream of officiating. He was, in fact, a hopeful “number 10” – the creative play-maker. Yet, his left-footedness and relentless energy saw him relegated to left-back. This early experience on the pitch, understanding the flow and demands of the game from a player`s perspective, likely contributes to his empathetic and pragmatic approach as a referee.
Daniele Doveri`s insights offer a crucial reminder: referees are integral to the beautiful game, not merely rule enforcers but human beings deeply invested in its integrity and fairness. Their challenges extend far beyond split-second decisions, encompassing a continuous battle for respect, safety, and the true spirit of sport.