The reason why judges don't have tattoos or beards: An unwritten law prevents them from doing so

In an increasingly modern world of football, where players express their identity with hairstyles, tattoos and beards from the catalogue, there is one figure who remains, almost as a rule, a 'blank slate'.

It's about the referee. Impeccably uniformed, with measured gestures and a neutral presence, elite referees rarely, if ever, have visible tattoos or beards.

It is not an official rule set by FIFA or UEFA, but it is one of those unwritten laws that makes the difference in elite refereeing.

El motivo por el que los arbitrators no tienen tatuajes ni tampoco barba: una ley no escrita se lo impide https://t.co/ijOKBrN3cp

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The judge, neutral even in appearance

“The judge must not only be impartial, but must also appear to be so.” This maxim, repeated in arbitration schools around the world, sums up the philosophy that governs the image of professional judges.

Unlike players, whose charisma and style often translate into brand identity, referees aspire to be the exact opposite: to be invisible. Go unnoticed. Let their presence not condition the story of the match, not even from a visual point of view.

And that's where beards and tattoos come in. Although there's no official written rule banning them, the implicit recommendation in top-level refereeing environments is clear: maintain a clean, neutral image, free of elements that could be considered provocative, striking, or open to interpretation.

Tattoos are perhaps the most silently censored element. Although some judges have them, they are rarely seen. In fact, those who have them on their arms or legs often cover them with bandages or long-sleeved clothing, even in extreme weather conditions.

The reason? It's understandable that tattoos, which for many are a form of personal or cultural expression, can generate unnecessary interpretations or judgments.

Beards, a security issue

The beard thing, while it may seem like an aesthetic fad, has a much more pragmatic explanation behind it: safety. Most referees shave to avoid facial injuries or injuries from whistles.

There are those who take it to the psychological level. A clean-shaven face conveys more authority, more visual clarity, and less distraction. In short, more seriousness.

It is not surprising that in many European refereeing academies, young referees are taught to take care of every detail of their physical appearance, including nails, hair and of course shaving.

UEFA, for its part, has no specific rule prohibiting tattoos or beards in its refereeing regulations. It is all at the discretion of the national federations and, ultimately, at the discretion of each referee, who wants or dares to project his image. /Telegraph/