The German Football Federation (DFB) is investigating reports of sexist abuse directed at referee Fabienne Michel during a third-division football match. Michel, the only female referee in Germany's top three leagues, officiated a game where she faced derogatory chants from fans after controversial decisions. Local reports indicate that insults were hurled from the stands, including graphic and offensive language. Although Michel's officiating crew did not note the abuse in their match report, the DFB has prioritized protecting female referees amid rising concerns around sexism in sports.
"The support and protection of [female] referees is very important to us and has top priority," said Alex Feuerherdt, head of communications at the DFB's refereeing department.
After making a similar positional error in the second half, Michel was then reportedly subjected to sexist insults from the traveling Essen supporters who could be heard chanting the word 'Hure' (whore) at her.
She and her team of officials did not mention the incidents in their official match report, but the DFB has now launched an investigation after being made aware of the incidents by Sportschau.
It's a joke. I asked her why she was stood there and she gave me a yellow card," complained Gjasula.
Collection
[
|
...
]