Imagine being a referee at the biggest futsal tournament in the world, standing right next to Falcão – the football legend some call the greatest ever! Serbian referee Damir Radović had that honor, but also the nightmare, of officiating this futsal deity. In an exclusive interview with Kurir, Radović reveals what it was like to stand beside Falcão, known for his masterful moves but also for being a master provocateur of referees.
Falcão was not just a player; he was a true showman on the court. When he scored, he would jump into the stands, hug fans, and referees had to be on edge because every move could trigger a yellow or even a red card.
Radović recalls the tournament in Brazil, considered an unofficial futsal world championship, where he refereed three times for Brazil and had the chance to officiate a match where Falcão played against Russia. It was a spectacle with about five thousand spectators, and the atmosphere was explosive. Even at the twilight of his career, Falcão’s energy and mastery still lit up the arena.
However, Radović’s memories are not all rosy. Falcão was known to harass referees, belittle them, and disrespect rules, causing major headaches for officials. Still, Radović emphasizes that Falcão is one of the greatest futsal masters ever, and refereeing alongside him was an unforgettable experience.
The interview also reveals how Radović, once a youth player at Partizan, found his path in refereeing, despite initially rejecting it due to his father’s tough experiences. Today, even as a veteran and retiree, he remains active and respected in futsal tournaments.
If you thought refereeing was easy, think again! Referees like Radović must balance rules, player emotions, and the crowd, and when it comes to Falcão, it’s an art form. So, would you have the nerve to referee a legend who demands a red card for every foul? Or maybe you have your own wild referee story? Share it, so we can all laugh or cringe at the referee’s plight!
