If it's true, as some maintain, that referees aren't emotionless androids but human beings like the rest of us, with their own dreams, fears and insecurities, you could imagine that Felix Brych has experienced what he went through Friday night before—in a cold-sweat nightmare.

Because what happened to the German referee in the match between Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen was probably every bit as a terrifying as those dreams when you're sitting in the office, surrounded by co-workers, only to realize you're not wearing pants.

The only difference? This was real.

Seventy minutes had passed and visiting Leverkusen was up 1-0 when Brych awarded the away team a corner kick. Gonzalo Castro's corner was met by the towering Stefan Kiessling, who headed the ball just wide of the near post and into the side netting. It was a clear-cut chance and Kiessling, obviously upset by the miss, threw his arms into the air and put his hands in his hair.

One or two beats later his expression changed as Brych awarded the goal. And, with some befuddlement, Kiessling celebrated with his teammates as the Hoffenheim players protested.