Male referee punches female player in the face, causing her to faint; football community in uproar... Referee denies allegations, claiming "My pants were actually ripped off"

*This content was translated by AI.

An unprecedented incident occurred in which a male referee punched a female football player in the face for disputing a call, causing her to faint.

The British "The Sun" reported on the 20th (local time) that "police have launched an investigation following allegations that a male referee punched a female player in the face during a women's football match in Belgium."

The incident occurred immediately after a match between Stokkem VV and Rommel SK held in Belgium on the 17th. Although Stokkem secured a decisive 13-2 victory, a horrific brawl erupted after the final whistle.

Wendy Mese, a Stokkem player who claims to have been assaulted, told local media, "The match ended with a decisive victory, and we were applauding when the referee approached me and pulled out a second yellow card. He invaded my personal space by coming right up to my face, so I pushed him away, and suddenly he swung a punch at me," describing the terrifying situation at the time.

She added, "I was knocked unconscious by the punch. I still have a headache, and I am in pain in my neck and ears."

Stokkem's coach, Rul Ramaekers, said, "I know referees must be protected, but I have never seen a referee punch a female player in my life," expressing his shock.

Furthermore, during the commotion after the match, Brent Beckers, a club official from Stokkem, suffered a serious injury with a broken shin. Beckers claimed, "It took no fewer than three people to pull the out-of-control referee away."

The referee at the center of the controversy is also expressing his grievance and has filed a complaint with the police. The referee, whose name has not been disclosed, countered, "I was actually assaulted seven times and even suffered the humiliation of having my pants ripped off. I was only trying to defend myself."

As the controversy grew, Stokkem immediately issued a statement expressing its anger. The club stated, "This was a devastating and worst day for our women's team. Reports are pouring out not about the match result, but solely about the referee's behavior. Words like 'outrageous,' 'shameful,' and 'cowardly' are insufficient to describe such actions," strongly criticizing the incident.

The club further emphasized, "We have contacted the authorities and hope justice will be served. There is absolutely no place for violence in football."

It is reported that the Prosecution Service in Limburg, northeastern Belgium, is currently considering charging the referee with intentional injury.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.