DFB Launches Investigation into Sexist Chants Targeting Female Referee
Referee Fabienne Michel faces verbal abuse from fans during a third-division match in Germany.
The German Football Federation (DFB) has initiated an investigation regarding reports that referee Fabienne Michel was subjected to sexist abuse by fans during a third-division match on Friday.
Fabienne Michel, 30, is notable for being the only female referee officiating in Germany's top three professional football leagues, including the 3. Liga game between SC Verl and Rot-Weiss Essen.
During the match, Michel inadvertently blocked SC Essen midfielder Klaus Gjasula as he attempted to position himself to defend against a shot, resulting in a goal for SC Verl.
Gjasula expressed frustration, stating, "The referee ran straight into my path and that resulted in the first goal.
It's a joke.
I asked her why she was stood there and she gave me a yellow card."
In the second half of the match, reports emerged of sexist insults directed at Michel from the traveling Essen supporters.
These included chants featuring the derogatory term "Hure" (whore) and other offensive lyrics that were recorded by local broadcaster WDR.
The abuse reportedly included chants suggesting sexual acts toward the referee.
The awareness of the abuse during the match remains uncertain, as Michel and her officiating team did not report the incidents in their official match documentation.
Following media reports, the DFB has confirmed it is looking into the allegations.
Alex Feuerherdt, head of communications in the DFB's refereeing department, emphasized the organization's commitment to the support and protection of female referees, stating that it is a matter of high priority.
Meanwhile, Rot-Weiss Essen, the team involved in the incident, has not publicly commented on the reports, though head coach Uwe Koschinat remarked post-match that the referee found herself in an inappropriate situation.
Rot-Weiss Essen, acclaimed as one of German football's historic clubs, has faced significant challenges in recent decades, dropping to the fifth tier in 2010 before returning to the third division in 2022. Currently, the club is navigating a precarious position, being just one point above the relegation zone.
Michel's case highlights ongoing challenges faced by female officials in football, drawing attention to the legacy of Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb, the most prominent female referee in German football history, who officiated 179 professional men's matches from 2007 to 2020, including 23 Bundesliga games.
Fabienne Michel, 30, is notable for being the only female referee officiating in Germany's top three professional football leagues, including the 3. Liga game between SC Verl and Rot-Weiss Essen.
During the match, Michel inadvertently blocked SC Essen midfielder Klaus Gjasula as he attempted to position himself to defend against a shot, resulting in a goal for SC Verl.
Gjasula expressed frustration, stating, "The referee ran straight into my path and that resulted in the first goal.
It's a joke.
I asked her why she was stood there and she gave me a yellow card."
In the second half of the match, reports emerged of sexist insults directed at Michel from the traveling Essen supporters.
These included chants featuring the derogatory term "Hure" (whore) and other offensive lyrics that were recorded by local broadcaster WDR.
The abuse reportedly included chants suggesting sexual acts toward the referee.
The awareness of the abuse during the match remains uncertain, as Michel and her officiating team did not report the incidents in their official match documentation.
Following media reports, the DFB has confirmed it is looking into the allegations.
Alex Feuerherdt, head of communications in the DFB's refereeing department, emphasized the organization's commitment to the support and protection of female referees, stating that it is a matter of high priority.
Meanwhile, Rot-Weiss Essen, the team involved in the incident, has not publicly commented on the reports, though head coach Uwe Koschinat remarked post-match that the referee found herself in an inappropriate situation.
Rot-Weiss Essen, acclaimed as one of German football's historic clubs, has faced significant challenges in recent decades, dropping to the fifth tier in 2010 before returning to the third division in 2022. Currently, the club is navigating a precarious position, being just one point above the relegation zone.
Michel's case highlights ongoing challenges faced by female officials in football, drawing attention to the legacy of Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb, the most prominent female referee in German football history, who officiated 179 professional men's matches from 2007 to 2020, including 23 Bundesliga games.
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