"She's sensitive, must be on her period": Referee makes 'shocking remark' to female player, sparking controversy; effectively threatens red card amid protests

*This content was translated by AI.

• SuwonFC Wimin plans to submit formal protest letters to the Korea Football Association and other bodies

A controversy has erupted after a female referee was reported to have made sexually harassing remarks toward a player during a WK League women's industrial soccer match. The referee initially denied making such comments but reportedly later changed her stance, claiming it was "something referees said among themselves." The club plans to file formal protests with the Korea Football Association and the Korea Women's Football League.

The incident occurred during the 2026 WK League regular season match between SuwonFC Wimin and Seoul City Hall at Suwon Sports Complex on the 28th. According to the club and soccer circles, Ji So-yun of SuwonFC Wimin heard referee Bae Seon-young (referee-in-charge) say, "She's been sensitive since the start. Must be on her period," while protesting a refereeing decision. Referee Bae has served as the main referee in the WK League since last year. Notably, she received the 'Outstanding Female Referee Award' at the Korea Football Association's referee conference in December of last year.

Upon hearing the shocking and unbelievable remark, Ji So-yun protested directly to the main referee. According to the club and Ji's side, when she asked, "What did you say?" the protest was met with a warning from Referee Bae instead. Ji continued her protests, and after becoming visibly agitated and even throwing a water bottle, Referee Bae pulled out a red card from her pocket. However, she did not directly show it to Ji. It is also unusual for a referee to pull out a card during a match without issuing it to the player. In particular, simply pulling out a red card — which signifies expulsion — could be interpreted as a threat toward the player or bench staff.

According to Ji So-yun and the club, Referee Bae initially denied making any sexually harassing remarks when confronted by Ji. However, as protests continued, she reportedly clarified that it was "something we (referees) said among ourselves." Although she claimed it was not directed at Ji directly, she ultimately admitted that sexually harassing remarks were made via radio communication. Given the circumstances — including Ji's protest over a decision and receiving a warning in response — it is inevitable that the target of the remarks was identified as a player.

SuwonFC Wimin, Ji So-yun's club, plans to formally protest the incident to the Korea Football Association and the Korea Women's Football League. The Korea Football Association oversees and manages all referees in Korea, including those in the professional K League and the WK League. It was also the Korea Football Association that awarded Referee Bae the 'Outstanding Female Referee Award' last year.

A SuwonFC club official told StarNews: "We have accurately gathered and organized the situation at the time through staff and personnel present on-site, including those managing home games and the bench area. We will deliver a formal protest letter to the Korea Football Association and the Women's Football League by tomorrow (the 30th) morning." The Korea Women's Football League also plans to ascertain the details of the incident based on reports from match supervisors who were present at the scene.

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*This content was translated by AI.