Aussie ref named ‘world’s worst person in sports’

A-League referee Strebre Delovski has been lampooned in the US over the Seb Ryall penalty, with the whistleblower labelled the "World’s Worst Person in Sport".

Delovski earned the scorn of ESPN commentator Keith Olbermann for his decision to award the controversial penalty during Sydney FC's 3-3 draw with Melbourne Victory.

Olberman featured the referee in his popular "World's Worst Person in Sports" segment, where he said Delovski "appeared to have been fooled by one of the worst flops in the history of sports".

"That or he sees ghosts," mocked Oberman.

During the segment, Oberman showed footage of Ryall hitting the turf, urging viewers to keep an "eye on the number two in light blue".

He then fired another arrow at Delokski.

"He fell over invisible gophers and he flopped so you gave the other guy a penalty".

Ryall was heavily criticised by commentators and Victory opponents, including coach Kevin Muscat for what they called a blatant dive.

However, he avoided a two-match suspension on Wednesday when Football Federation Australia's disciplinary commission cleared him after viewing previously unseen footage that showed his leg collided with Victory midfielder Gui Finkler as he ran into the box.

But ESPN certainly didn't let Delovski off so lightly.