Crossword Genius

Some older referees returning made mistakes (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

erred

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'made mistakes' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for erred that I've seen before include "Was mistaken" , "Went astray" , "Made mistakes" , "Sinned" , "Committed a sin" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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