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By Thanh Quy  April 2, 2025 | 11:15 pm PT
Coach Joel Oliveira has been handed a six-month suspension and a US$2,600 fine for gender discrimination after verbally abusing female referee Joana Rita during a women's football match in Portugal.
The incident occurred on Feb. 3 during the Women's National Promotion Cup game between Pacos de Ferreira and Romariz B. After referee Rita issued a red card in the 84th minute, Oliveira, visibly upset, approached her and said:
"So this is not a penalty? You don't know what you're doing here... Learn to whistle, cow, you come here without knowing what you're doing, go home," Romariz B head coach Oliveira told Rita.
Despite the outburst, Pacos de Ferreira won the match 2-0.
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A female referee gives out a yellow card during a football match. Illustration photo by Pixabay |
On March 28, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) found the Romariz B coach in violation of its disciplinary code, Marca reported.
The rule stipulates that any act which "offends the dignity of a sports agent or spectator because of their ancestry, gender or gender identity, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, language, territory of origin, religion, political or ideological beliefs, education, economic situation, social condition or sexual orientation, is sanctioned with suspension from three months to three years."
This disciplinary action comes amid growing visibility and recognition of women in football officiating.
In 2022, Stephanie Frappart made history by becoming the first woman to referee a men’s World Cup match, in Germany vs. Costa Rica. A year later, Rebecca Welch became the first female referee to take charge of a men’s Premier League fixture, overseeing the match between Fulham and Burnley.
