Deniz Aytekin, a former world-class football referee, recently discussed his career and personal approach to the profession in an interview with FOCUS online. He spoke with Tijen Onaran about managing his ego, navigating intense criticism from fans and the media, and the importance of a genuine error culture within the sport. Aytekin also revealed a simple technique he used to address complaints from players during matches. The interview explored the psychological challenges of officiating at the highest level, including facing hostile crowds – specifically referencing a particularly challenging experience with 80,000 spectators. Aytekin’s insights offer a rare glimpse into the pressures faced by referees and his strategies for maintaining composure and professionalism. He emphasized the need for self-awareness and a constructive approach to feedback.