Referees learn quickly that both sides will be mad at you sometimes. Fair calls are the job, not applause.

Any role that involves deciding between people guarantees somebody walks away unhappy. Looking for approval from that position is a trap, because approval and accuracy come apart constantly, and chasing the first will slowly corrupt the second. Doing the job properly means accepting that being disliked is sometimes evidence you got it right.

Separate the two questions the next time you have to decide something. Ask what is actually correct first, and only then how you will explain it. If both sides are annoyed with you, check the call rather than your popularity.