A Colombian lower-division league match descended into chaos on Wednesday after Real Alianza Cataquera midfielder, Javier Bolívar slapped female referee Vanessa Ceballos moments after being shown a red card.

In a video posted on X by one of Mexico City’s leading daily newspapers, La Jornada, the incident occurred when Ceballos moved to dismiss Bolívar from the game after an offence.

Instead of walking away, the player turned back and struck her across the face, sparking uproar among players and spectators.

Visibly furious, the referee attempted to retaliate with a kick before colleagues and players intervened which prevented her from fighting back.

One goalkeeper was seen shoving the player away, while officials hurried to shield Ceballos from further assault. Calls for Bolívar’s suspension grew louder as the clip circulated online.

In a swift response, the footballer issued a lengthy apology on Instagram, admitting his conduct was “disrespectful and inappropriate.”

“I want to make it absolutely clear that at no time was there any physical aggression toward the referee,”* Bolívar insisted, claiming he was trying to grab the whistle from her mouth rather than slap her.

He added: “However, I understand that my gesture was offensive and portrayed her as contrary to the values of football and respect. Therefore, I humbly apologize to her, her family, the women, and everyone who was affected by what happened.

“I firmly reject any form of violence, especially against women. Women deserve all our respect, care, and admiration. My commitment is to work on my personal and athletic growth so as to never again repeat an act that violates anyone’s dignity.”

Referee assaults have long been a blight on world football. In 2021, Brazilian amateur player Willian Ribeiro punched referee Rodrigo Crivellaro during a lower-division league match, leaving the official temporarily unconscious. Ribeiro was arrested, but there’s no confirmed report that he received a lifetime ban.

Similar cases have been reported in Argentina, Mexico and across Europe, prompting calls for stronger sanctions and security measures to protect match officials.

In Nigeria, assaults on referees are also a recurring issue. In April 2023, during an NPFL match between Remo Stars and Gombe United, the referee was assaulted in the dressing room due to inadequate security.

The league penalised Remo Stars with point and goal deductions, fines, and compensation. These incidents triggered renewed calls for better security for match officials.

FIFA has repeatedly stressed the need to protect referees, warning that violence against officials undermines the integrity of the game.

In Colombia, where women referees are increasingly breaking barriers in men’s football, the latest incident has reignited debate over respect, discipline, and the safety of match officials at all levels of the sport. (The PUNCH)