Referees met with a side that's been misbehaving (8)

I believe the answer is:

mediates

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'referees' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for mediates that I've seen before include "Liaises" , "Acts as negotiator or peacemaker" , "Referees" , "restores harmony" , "Acts as go-between or peacemaker" .)

I've seen this clue in the Independent.

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