The Influence of Social Pressure and Nationality on Individual Decisions: Evidence from the Behaviour of Referees

Abstract

This study considers the influences on agents’ decisions in an international context. Using data from five seasons of European cup matches it is found that football referees favour home teams when awarding yellow and red cards. Previous research on referee decisions in national leagues has identified social pressure as a key reason for favouritism. While social pressure is also found to be an important influence in this study, the international context reveals that referee decisions are also influenced by the nationality of the referee and club, and the reputation of the league.social pressure, decision-making, referee behaviour, home bias, football