A Corpus-Assisted Study of Media Power of Referee's Reputation in Indonesia vs Bahrain Controversy

Abstract

This study explores the significant role of media discourse in shaping a public figure’s reputation, focusing on the refereeing controversy during the Indonesia vs Bahrain World Cup Qualifiers 2026 round three match. Using a corpus-assisted qualitative approach, this research analyzed 28 English-language news articles (14,132 tokens) published in one week following the match. The data analysis was conducted using a combination of corpus linguistic tools (frequency lists and KWIC analysis) and was interpreted through the theoretical lenses of Appraisal Theory and Socio-Cognitive Approach. The findings reveal that news media constructed a powerful and
overwhelmingly negative portrayal of the referee. Specifically, the referee’s “decision” was consistently framed with negative Appreciation, while the “complaint” was represented as an expression of Affect and Judgment. This study concludes that through these specific linguistic choices, the media used its power to shape public opinion, which contributed to crucial consequences, specifically to the referee’s professional career.