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Politics
Tim Dare, Professor of Philosophy, University of Auckland

‘Whose side are you on mate?’ How no one is free from bias – including referees

Jason Paris NRL New Zealand Warriors
Getty Images

When Jason Paris, head of the company that sponsors the New Zealand Warriors NRL team, complained recently about Australian referee bias, more than a few heads will have nodded in agreement.

Sports fans often think the ref is biased against their team – penalising them for the very same actions the other side is getting away with.

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