Are referees swayed by loud crowds? | Nudge Newsletter ๐Ÿง 


Power of the crowd.

Do loud football fans influence referees?

Will booing or cheering change an official's decision?

In 2002, three researchers decided to find out.

The researchers contacted 40 qualified referees and asked them to evaluate all incidents during a Liverpool vs Leicester City match.

  • 20 referees watched the game WITH crowd noise
  • 20 referees watched the game WITHOUT crowd noise

It turns out that those who heard the home crowd noise were influenced.

They award 15% fewer fouls against the home team.

The crowd influences us. It alters a ref's decisions and influences what we buy.

When McDonald's labelled the McFlurry the most popular dessert, sales increased by 55%.

We're swung by the opinion of the masses. Shaping the desserts we buy and our perception of footie matches.

Cheers!

Phill

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