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Deep Dive: The Referee (2010)

Film Lens

The Referee
The Referee is a documentary focusing on Martin Hansson, a Swedish football referee, and his path to officiating at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Directed by Mattias Löw, the film captures a year in Hansson's life, highlighting the pressures and controversies he faced as a referee. The narrative includes insights from notable figures in football, such as Thierry Henry and Sepp Blatter, providing a multifaceted view of the sport and its officiating. The film not only chronicles Hansson's professional experiences but also goes into his personal background as a former firefighter from Holmsjö, Sweden. The documentary presents a dramatic portrayal of the challenges referees encounter, emphasizing the significance of their roles in high-stakes matches. It features commentary from various football authorities and journalists, enriching the context of Hansson's experiences and the wider effects for football officiating.

Why Watch

  • Meet Martin Hansson, a unique football referee.
  • See insights from Sepp Blatter and Thierry Henry.
  • Follow Hansson's path to the 2010 World Cup.

Did You Know

Martin Hansson was a former firefighter before becoming a referee.
The film was produced by Freedom From Choice AB and Sveriges Television.
It features interviews with notable figures like Pelé and Arsène Wenger.
The documentary has a runtime of 29 minutes.

Perfect For

Football enthusiastsReferee trainingSports documentaries