In a shocking incident during a midweek clash between Real Alianza Cataquera and Deportivo Quique in Colombia, footballer Javier Bolivar slapped referee Vanessa Ceballos after she showed him a red card.
The event unfolded in the 66th minute when Bolivar, who had left the pitch, was penalized by Ceballos.
Before she could fully raise the card, Bolivar confronted her and abruptly struck her across the face with his right hand.
Referee Ceballos reacted fiercely to the assault, attempting to kick Bolivar, but was restrained by players as the situation quickly escalated on the field.
A goalkeeper intervened to push Bolivar away from the referee, attempting to prevent further violence.
The altercation created chaos on the pitch and immediately sparked outrage among fans and sports commentators.
Footage of the incident quickly went viral on social media, triggering widespread condemnation of Bolivar’s conduct.
Many called for stringent disciplinary sanctions, emphasizing that violence against officials, particularly female referees, is unacceptable.
In response to the backlash, Bolivar posted a lengthy apology on Instagram. He described his actions as “disrespectful and inappropriate” but denied intentionally hitting the referee, stating he was attempting to grab the whistle from her mouth.
He asserted, “At no time was there any physical aggression toward the referee,” while acknowledging that his gesture was offensive and contrary to the values of respect and sportsmanship.
He added, “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 to never again repeat an act that violates anyone’s dignity.”
The Colombian Football Federation swiftly condemned the incident, emphasizing its rejection of all forms of violence, especially gender-based violence on the field.
The federation pledged to take strict action against Bolivar, with potential sanctions including a lengthy suspension or ban.
Vanessa Ceballos received widespread praise for her composure and courage during the incident.
Despite the physical assault, she remained steadfast in enforcing the rules, setting an example for officials everywhere. The situation has reignited discussions around the need for better protection and respect for referees, particularly women, in professional sports.
The assault has ignited a broader debate on sexism and violence in sports, with many commentators urging reforms to safeguard officials and foster an environment of dignity and respect.
