PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

Previous research examining referee bias in football (soccer) has not distinguished between incidents (goals, substitutions, fouls, cards) in regulation and in stoppage time. This study examines the determinants of stoppage time seconds in matches of the English Premier League using data from the second half of all close matches of the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 seasons with a two-goal (n=634) and one-goal differential (n=478). The regression results show that the number of goals scored, substitutions, and yellow cards in the regulation 45 minutes of the second half and in stoppage time have a significant positive effect on stoppage time. Yet, only fouls in stoppage time have a significant positive effect, but not fouls in regulation. Referees awarded more added time for incidents in stoppage time than in regulation. Also, the number of seconds lost for injuries during the second half was not fully mirrored.